Pep talk helped Josh to clinch the gold
Shrewsbury Club wheelchair tennis star Josh Cooper admits an inspiring mid-match pep talk from his coach made the difference as he clinched gold at the Sainsbury's 2015 School Games.
Cooper joined 1,600 other competitors in Manchester for the UK's largest multi-sport event for elite level, school-age athletes.
The Stafford College pupil was impressive throughout the boys singles competition and claimed gold after a hard-fought victory over England team-mate Ruairi Logan in the final.
The 17-year-old looked in trouble after dropping the first set at the Regional Tennis Centre but following some instruction from coach Tony Knappett, he battled back strongly to eventually emerge triumphant.
And, following his success, the second seed insists he won't forget the Sainsbury's 2015 School Games in a hurry.
Cooper said: "It's still getting into my system, I can't really believe it. I don't really know how I got through it but thanks to Tony he changed my attitude around.
"He told me to change my game and it worked out in the end. I know that my game is to be aggressive and Tony said to hit through the ball and not just stump at it.
"He said hit through the ball, be aggressive, play my game and to go out and just do what I did, which I did.
"It's been a great experience as it's the first year for wheelchair tennis being in the School Games.
"Just seeing all the other athletes with a massive smile on their face just shows the good experience they have and how happy they are to compete."
The Sainsbury's 2015 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, featured 12 different sports across four days.
Cooper wasn't the only competitor from the region to find success over the weekend, as William Brookes School pupil Stanley Willis won 3000m silver.
Shrewsbury Athletics Club member Hollie Williamson also claimed silver in the 80m hurdles.
Meanwhile, Ludlow College pupil Katie Lambert couldn't hide her delight after winning the girls hammer with a personal best and Championship record of 63.08m.
The 16-year-old said: "It's amazing to throw a championship record and personal best! I'm not surprised, because I knew I could do it. I was just waiting for it to happen in competition, so it's a relief really.
"Next season I go up to the senior weight, but I'd still like to medal at the English Schools and get over 55 metres with the 4K hammer, to set myself a mark.
"I don't want to just blend in after this, I want to stand out."
The Sainsbury's 2015 School Games is supported by a range of partners.
They include the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Department of Health and British Paralympic Association.
The Games were held in venues across Manchester. Visit www.2015schoolgames.com for more information.
