YORK middle-distance runner Alex Botterill knows what it's like to compete in the School Games but insists this year is all about redemption and personal glory.

The York runner was gutted to miss out on qualification for his main event, the 800 metres, last year and had to settle for being part of the 4x400m relay team - but is adamant things will be different this time.

The School Games will see about 1,600 of the nation’s finest young athletes compete across 12 current and future Olympic and Paralympic sports – seven of which include disability competition – at Loughborough University from September 1 to 4.

A key step on the road to senior success for Team GB’s next generation, the School Games is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.

And after watching his hero David Rudisha sweep all before him in the 800m at the Rio Olympics - and hot off the back of a dominant performance to win the Northern title - the 16-year-old Botterill is ready to right the wrongs of a year ago.

“The season has gone really well. It started in May so I wanted a nice progression so I peaked for the bigger events at the end of the season, like the School Games,” he said.

“I am very confident moving forwards. I am level-headed and there are some good athletes in the School Games, but it helps me to stick at the top.

“It is one of the competitions I aim for because you have to run well at the English Schools to get there as the competition is so high.

“I did it last year and I didn't have the best year individually so I was only in the 4x400m. It was enjoyable, but it was hard not being in the 800.

“It's not like I was not focussed before but I am here for me now, it means more. This will be my last competition for the season so it is a big one.”

The Archbishop Holgate's CE Academy pupil starts his sixth-form education next month after this last big summer athletics hurrah.

He said ahead of his GCSEs: “It's always hard to combine school work and exams (with athletics), but at the time I felt it went well. I had to fit revision around my running.

“I was not training all the time but it helped take my mind of things and ease the pressure a bit.”

He added: “Being selected for the School Games is big. It is tough to get to - only a handful of athletes from across the UK get in - so to go is very positive for the future.”

*The 2016 School Games tickets are on sale. To book your place to support the athletes and the Games, visit www.2016schoolgames.com/tickets