POLLY Maton is earning her international stripes at a rate of knots after sparkling in South America with two gold medals at the Brazil Paralympic School Games last week.

The 14-year-old, of Urchfont, was part of the 12-strong Great Britain team that travelled to take on youngsters from across the globe in São Paulo.

Maton, who competes in the T46 category, stormed to victory in the 100m with a time of 13.47 seconds before claiming her second gold with a new personal best of 4.75m in the long jump.

The teenager, who trains with coach Colin Baross at Team Devizes (Moonrakers) Athletics Club, only made her international debut at the IWAS World Junior Games in August and says that her show-stopping achievements in Brazil have yet to sink in.

“It’s all a bit surreal. It was my first time going away for an international competition and I think it was all to get us used to going away on an aeroplane and being part of a big team,” said Dauntsey’s School pupil, whose Great Britain team was made up of athletes and swimmers on the government-funded TASS (Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme) programme.

“It was a brilliant experience. I only knew a couple of the other athletes so it was nice to meet all the swimmers and it was really different having such a big support team with us but they were all so attentive.

“I’m used to having my family there at competitions so it was strange being away from them but I spoke to them most days.

“There was a lot to get used to, like ‘on your marks’ and ‘go’ being in a different language, but the Brazilian people were lovely.

“It was right in the middle of winter training so I wasn’t expecting to do so well.

“I got a really good PB (personal best) in the long jump and I came very close to my PB in the 100m, so I’m really happy about that.”

Former Corsham ASC swimmer Craig Harris picked up two medals in Brazil whilst London 2012 Paralympian Chloe Davies, who trained at Trowbridge ASC, picked up three golds.