EVESHAM teenager Mike Dickinson enjoyed podium success at the European Canoe Association races in Austria.
In the under 23 age group at the canoe slalom competition in Flattach, the 19-year-old finished third after coming second on the first day and fourth on the second.
Dickinson said: “I didn't expect to achieve this result as I was racing against competitors up to five years older but it's a good confidence boost knowing that I can perform well.
"This will stand me in good stead for other competitions later in the year and help me to bring my A game to the big races here in the UK as well."
Dickinson has improved rapidly over the last 12 months, having reached semi-finals at the 2017 World and European Championships.
Alongside doing computer studies at Nottingham Trent University, he has embarked on a challenging training schedule from new coach Neil Buckley.
His progress has been recognised by his club Stafford and Stone Canoe Club who awarded him the Richard Fox Trophy for the best performing junior under 18.
Dickinson, who is backed by Karndean Designflooring, is continuing training in Pau, France, ahead of September's British Open in Lee Valley on the Olympic course.
He hopes to be selected for the Great Britain under 23s team next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here