Gilligan took out the gold, his final score of 142 putting him a decisive 11 shots ahead of compatriot Rory Warlow. Australian Mathew Maloney finished in third.

 

“That’s a brilliant result," said Gilligan, a 17-year-old from Derby. "Sure I could have shot better, but I came over here aiming and hoping for the gold and that’s what I’ve got."

 

The 17-year-old shot with impressive control and accuracy through the early rounds, including a perfect 25 in the third round, proving he is potential star for London 2012.

 

"All Olympians inspire me because I know how much time, effort and committment it takes to be great at your chosen sport," said Gilligan. "To become an Olympian is my greatest wish."

 

Warlow, a 16-year-old from Plymouth, moved up from third to second in the final round with an impressive display of constitency to overtake Maloney.

 

There was more success in the table tennis where the men's team of Paul Drinkhall, who had carried Britain's flag at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, and Darius Knight won silver medals behind Chinese Taipei.

 

Another silver medal came in the 3m synchronised diving where Charles Calvert and Callum Johnstone combined to finish second behind a Chinese pair.

 

Junior Olympic programme manager Kim White was pleased with the performance of young divers.

 

"Callum and Charles are ranked third and fourth in Europe and the World respectively as 3m Synchro divers," he said.

 

"They are competing in the 18 and under group, and they are both only 16. They pushed the Chinese divers all the way and really made them raise their game to take the gold medal."

 

Tomorrow will see the much anticipated performance of 12-year-old Plymouth diver Thomas Daley, who will be looking to end the current domination of the Chinese in the event.

 

There was a silver lining in the taekwondo for Jordan Gayle, runner-up in the men's 48-55kg category won by Australia's Chris Beach.

 

Taekwondo performance director and team leader at the AYOF Gary Hall congratulated Gayle on his earlier rounds and silver medal winning performance:

 

 

 

“It was a great result for Jordan considering his age and experience," he said.

 

"He was national champion for the first time this year and has had limited success at competition outside of the UK.

 

"To come to an event like this, perform so well and come away with a silver medal is fantastic and more importantly a valuable experience for the future.”