BRINN Bevan will compete at his first World Gymnastics Championships later this month but despite the magnitude of the occasion, the South Essex Gymnastics Club teenager insists he isn’t feeling the pressure.

Bevan won a bronze medal in the pommel horse at the first ever European Games in Baku earlier this year, which was also his first showing as a senior gymnast.

And the 18-year-old is determined to impress further at the World Championships by helping his team qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio next summer.

The competition begins on Friday October 23 at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, and Bevan believes the home crowd will give the whole team a lift.

“For me, it’s all about the experience. It’s my first year as a senior gymnast and my first World Championships, so I’m looking to go out there and give it my best performance,” he said.

“You have to place in the top eight at the World Championships so I’m looking to be a part of the team which helps qualify for the Olympics.

“I’m really looking forward to competing at the SSE Hydro. It’s the same venue as the Commonwealth Games last year, and I think the home crowd can give us a bit of an advantage that we’re looking for.

“It’s about getting my name out there. It’s my first world stage call-up and also a stepping stone to the Olympics next year in Rio.

“Personally, I don’t feel like a have loads of pressure on myself. At the end of the day, I’ve had the best build –up that I can, and it just comes down to what happens on the day. I’m going to give it my best shot.”

Bevan is a member of the South Essex Gymnastic Club and trains with international gymnasts such as Max Whitlock on a daily basis, but the youngster claims he is not overawed by such illustrious company.

He is looking to fulfil his dream of competing in an Olympics for Team GB at Rio next year, but is determined that if he does not make the cut next summer, he will do in the future.

“I’m not exactly star struck by them. It feels good to be training with them because I know they’re some of the best. Being on the same level as them, it’s a really good compliment for me,” he added.

“It means everything to me, being part of an event like that. It’s Team GB, not just your sport like British Gymnastics.”

“Ever since I was little I’ve dreamed of going to an Olympic Games. Hopefully it can be Rio, if not I’m going to keep pushing so I can get to one eventually.”

>SSE’s Next Generation programme partners with SportsAid to provide financial support and training to the sports stars of the future. Keep up to date with the latest @SSENextGen