Success at the Sainsbury’s School Games earlier this month has helped Kahoru Harazawa forget his Paralympic trials nightmare, writes Samuel Wakefield.

The 15-year-old Woodcote High School pupil topped the podium in the multi-classification 100m breaststroke and 200m medley at the Games, which took place at the Olympics Aquatic Centre, and also claimed bronze in the 50m freestyle.

It was a far cry from his previous visit to the venue for the swimming trials in March when he failed to reach a single final – a disappointment he insisted was the driving force behind his triple medal-winning haul at the School Games.

“I don’t feel too bad at all after winning – it is a feeling you don’t really get bored of,” he said.

“It was a great experience for me and it good to be back after the Paralympic trials.

“Getting more and more experience is vital and I loved being back at the venue.

“I didn’t do too well first time because I was feeling ill, so it was definitely a case of unfinished business.

“It felt great to go back and set it right and then to get near personal bests as well is a massive bonus.

“I felt a lot more in my comfort zone at the School Games as I was up against guys my own age rather than people who are 20 and older at the Paralympic trials.

“It felt more comfortable and getting the gold medals felt really great.”

The Sainsbury’s 2012 School Games was held at the Olympic Park and other venues from May 6-9, 2012, with school-aged elite athletes competing across 12 sports. Visit 2012schoolgames.com for more information.