HIGH jumper Poppy Lake had mixed emotions after winning a silver medal at the England Under-20 Championships at Bedford.

The 18-year-old Southend High School for Girls student missed out on gold on countback after clearing 1.74m.

Lake, who cleared 1.81m indoors earlier this year, admitted her form has not been as good as she hoped for the summer season with exams pressure and illness playing their part.

So given that, she was pleased to come away from the national championships with a medal, but Lake was disappointed to lose out on countback – something which usually works in her favour.

“I’m happy with the medal, but it’s usually me that wins on countback,” she said.

“I’ve had a tough time this year with exams and have been suffering from hayfever recently. All in all I’ve been feeling pretty wiped out.

“I’ve not been training great. I’ve not even been clearing 1.60m in training, so this was a lot better.

“It’s been a tough time but I know things will come together. I just have to be patient.”

Lake is now turning her attentions to the English Schools Championships – her sixth and last time at the prestigious event.

“I want to go out with a bang,” she said. “My exams have ended now. I’m going away to Mallorca for a week where hopefully I will get a good block of training done and then come back fresh and ready for English Schools.”