Golden girl Abbie has silver lining to round off festival

Headshot of Abbie Wood of the Youth Team GB Swimming squad during the Team GB Kitting out and prep camp at Heathrow ahead of the 2013 European Youth Olympic Festival 2013 on Friday 12th July 2013

Buxton’s Abbie Wood admitted that carrying the flag for Team GB at the closing ceremony of the European Youth Olympic Festival was the perfect way to round off an incredible week.

Wood ended up with four medals in the pool in Utrecht, Netherlands, with two golds and two silvers after a stunning effort against the best in Europe for her age group.

The 14-year old topped the podium in both the 400m Individual Medley and the 200m breaststroke events while also grabbing silver in the 200m IM and the girl’s medley relay.

So strong were Wood’s results that she claimed two of Team GB’s nine golds over the week. That in turn made her nomination for flagbearer for the closing ceremony a natural choice.

And the youngster admitted that unfurling the Union Jack was the perfect way to cap off a remarkable week.

She said: “To carry the flag at the ceremony was amazing, I was so proud and honoured to be chosen.

“I came here hoping to do well and aiming to get a medal to take home.

“But to finish with two golds and silvers is a bit of a surprise so I’m really happy.”

Team GB sent a 44-strong squad to the Festival last week and after her first taste of the Olympic experience and pulling on the Team GB kit, Wood admitted her experiences in Utrecht had just made her hungrier for the real thing.

She added: “It’s been an amazing week, the opening and closing ceremonies were fantastic.

“And we have been to watch other sports to cheer them on, the whole experience of being at a multi-sport event like this is just fantastic.”