Knowing how to make Jessica Ennis defeat Usain Bolt, or Daley Thompson triumph over Kelly Holmes has propelled a primary school pupil into the final of a national Top Trumps competition.

Reece Grady, from Monks Orchard Primary School first defeated school mates before overcoming rivals from across the country using a special Olympics themed Top Trumps set to progress to Saturday’s final.

The 11-year-old, alongside 11 other finalists, will meet with five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave at the final of the third annual National Top Trumps Schools Tournament, with the winner earning a chance to join the top rower for a personal lesson on the Thames.

Sir Steve will also present the winner with their trophy.

Reece, who is a keen footballer, tennis player and cricketer, said: "It is really exciting, I have a pack of the cards and I have been practising against my mum and my dad. I always win.

"I didn’t know about Steve Redgrave before but in my pack he was the best card."

To make the finals Reece first won the school competition in February before facing hundreds other school champions from across the UK in a five-level online tournament, taking tenth spot and a place in the final.

He said: "It was fun. You had to get through each level and I just kept winning. I never thought I would win so I guess I just got lucky."

He will travel to the final, held at the John Lewis in Stratford, overlooking the Olympic Stadium, and will be using a specially made pack including London 2012 medal hopefuls.

Fiona Hortopp, head of marketing at winning moves UK, the owners and makers of Top Trumps, said: "Our hearty congratulations to Reece. He is a winner already having come out ahead of so many school children across the country."