TEENAGE triathlete Harrison Smith has enjoyed an incredible spell of success.

Despite being just 16, Smith became British under-20 Sprint Triathlon Champion before finishing fifth in the European Sprint Triathlon at the same age-group.

And the Chalkwell-based youngster then followed that up by becoming World Under 20 Sprint Duathlon Champion after producing a stunning performance in Spain which left him feeling overjoyed.

“It was pretty awesome and overwhelming,” said Smith, who was the youngest competitor in all three of his races.

“Going in to the World Championships in Spain I had no idea what to expect because I was up against international athletes I didn’t know about.

“I just set myself targets and times I wanted to get and it was obviously a fantastic feeling to win.”

Smith’s success in Spain came in an event which saw runs of 5k and 2.5k either side of a 20k bike ride.

And his victory delighted Sue Fuller a fellow member of East Essex Tri Club who was also at the event.

“Harrison raced superbly, sprinting off the start and getting in the lead pack on the bike,” said Fuller.

“He worked really hard in the peloton surrounded by lots of Spanish competitors who were working as a team.

“On the final run Harrison pulled out a lead of 16 seconds to become World Champion.”

Smith – who attends Southend High School – is coached and supported by Nick Wetheridge, Basildon AC, Gill Anderson and Dawn McFarlane of TriNswimWell and Zena Sheen of East Essex Triathlon Club.

But he will not be resting on his laurels and is now keen to focus on improving his middle-distance times on the track this summer.

However, long term, Smith has set his sights on upping his distance.

“I would quite like to do an Ironman and compete in those competitions,” said Smith.

“I’m a fast swimmer but I’m probably not fast enough at it to be able to do well in an Olympic-length triathlon.

“I think I would be better suited to doing an Ironman where you have more time on the bike and on the run to make up ground.”

But Smith has shown rapid improvement since first taking up triathlon after watching it at the 2012 Olympics.

And his father Stephen was keen to thank the coaches who have helped his son shine in all of the disciplines.

“Nick Wetheridge’s advice and run training structure have enabled Harrison to improve his speed and endurance,” said Stephen.

“Swimming was his weakest discipline but with the help of Jill and Dawn improving his technique, his times have improved hugely.

“Without these people’s support, help, advice and guidance none of what he has achieved this season would have been possible.

“The target for the future is to keep progressing within the elite junior ranks, and hopefully getting an invite to train with the GB junior national squad.”