By Ben Baker

THAMESMEAD sprint sensation David Bolarinwa brought the curtain down on a spectacular season with gold at the Sainsbury’s UK School Games but vowed to maintain his focus over the winter as he targets big things for 2011.

The 16-year-old was far from fresh at Gateshead International Stadium following his return from Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games where he collected 100m bronze in 10.51s.

But the Thamesmead ace still returned to winning ways and defended his title – coming home in 10.81s with Ben Shields in second with 11.21s, while Michael Prentice ran 11.37s for bronze.

And even though Bolarinwa had topped the 100m podium eight times before his north east victory, he believes the ninth proved he has what it takes to be a true champion.

“It was important for me to come back here and win this race again because what a champion does is he retains his title so I came out here to do my best and I am happy with the result,” he said.

“I got out well and my action was quite good which is pleasing because that is the think I am not normally good at but out there it went well.

“After taking a step back I am really pleased with how Singapore went because to win a medal at such a big event against the world’s best is a great achievement.

“But it was really pleasing and to come back here so quickly and win gold again and it is a good sign. I am still learning the sport and you can never say that you know everything so it is pleasing.

“It is my last year at the UK School Games and my last competition of the season so I wanted to go out on a high and I did just that.”

Bolarinwa has had a glittering 2010 that has seen him climb the podium in the Far East, Florida and Russia as he blazes a trail across the globe.

But his attentions are now firmly fixed on Ostrava for next year’s European Junior Championships as he bids to add another medal to his already impressive collection.

“I have had a bit of a breakthrough season but I am ready for a rest now,” he added. “I think I have about two or three weeks off before I get back to my winter training.

“But I am not going to be taking a long break because I have big things planned for next season.

“Next season I am aiming to get a medal at the European Juniors and I am also aiming to run 10.2s. I think I have it in me and I am ready to prove it now.”