SOUTH Essex Gymnastics Club’s Brinn Bevan has his sights set on reaching the World Championships after shining at the European Games.

The 18-year-old from Thundersley brilliantly won a bronze medal on the pommel horse in Azerbaijan.

And Bevan is now keen to build on the success by qualifying for more major championships.

“The next big one for me is the World Championships in Glasgow in October and the aim for me is to try to get into the team for that,” said the former Deanes School pupil.

“Now I’ve put my name out there at the European Games I think I have a small chance of being selected for it and I’m hoping this can be the first step of many to get to the Olympics next year.”

Bevan was back at his Basildon-based club yesterday after returning home in the early hours of the morning.

And Bevan admitted his performances in Baku had made him realise he was not far off from competing against some of the world’s best gymnasts.

“Being in a competition like that showed me I’m not too far away from where I want to be and that I actually do stand a chance against some of the big names,” said the teenager.

“It was great to be alongside them and all of the more experienced gymnasts as well.

“It was also brilliant to be competing against them and not being there just idolising them.

“Everyone made me feel welcome and I’m quite friendly with a few of them now.”

That made the event even more memorable for Bevan who finished 14th in the all-around final.

But he also felt that would a huge learning curve for future championships.

“I was happy to make the all around final but I did make a couple of mistakes in it,” said Bevan. “I’m going to make sure I take the positives from it though and learn from it all as well.”

Bevan followed on from the all-around final by finishing third in the pommel.

And even he was surprised to have won a medal.

“It was really unexpected if I’m honest,” said Bevan.

“For me it was just about getting out there and putting some clean routines on the table.

“But it was a really, nervy shaky final, I was fourth up and the people before me made a couple of mistakes.

“I knew I had an opportunity and I was able to put it together to get through my routine and I’m so happy to have got the bronze medal.”

The top three finish capped a fine week for Bevan, who also turned 18 while in Baku.

And he could not speak highly enough of the competition.

“It was a fantastic experience,” said Bevan.

“There was a great atmosphere and the arena was brilliant.

“It was a great to be part of a big multi-sport event like that and I’m really proud to have competed at the first ever European Games.”