Even the traditional British weather couldn't dampen the spirits as more than 400 Croydon youngsters played their part in London's own youth Olympics last weekend.

The borough's young athletes shone brightly once again, despite the terrible weather, claiming fourth place out of 33 in the showpiece London Heathrow Youth Games.

Now in its 21st year, the games is the largest youth sports event in Europe and involves more contestants than the Olympic Games.

And Croydon's magnificent efforts saw them claim a top four place for the fifth year in a row as they more than played their part in the biggest and best games yet.

Maximum points from victories in the triathlon, female table tennis competition and the boys' athletics were followed up with five second places in the weightlifting, diving, cycling, male judo and girls' athletics. Bronze medal performances also came from both swimming teams.

Croydon team organiser Jackie Edgerton told the Guardian: "The enthusiasm and support was absolutely amazing and the team were an absolute credit to the borough. Even when people had finished their events they stayed around to see their team mates despite the rain.

"It was a absolutely brilliant achievement to finish fourth and it's great to keep up our good record."

Thankfully the terrible conditions didn't ruin the enthusiasm for the other competitors as well with an estimated 20,000 children aged eight to 19 representing each of London's 33 boroughs in the games at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre.

Youngsters took part in a phenomenal 50 sports ranging from angling and weightlifting to tennis and showjumping.

And, after three days of gruelling finals competition, Havering eventually emerged victorious, beating Redbridge into second place. Croydon finished fourth behind Bexley on 1,037 points just 327 off second spot.

Over the years the games have acted as a springboard to success for many of England's top athletes. The likes of Linford Christie, John Regis and Steve Backley all represented their boroughs at this level before going on to international stardom.

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