A WESTCLIFF teenager is hoping to fulfil his promise at upcoming European and World Triathlon championships.

Joe Trim, 16, is one of the brightest young triathlon competitors in the country.

An East Essex Triathlon Club member, Joe finished first in his category at the Suunto Cardiff Triathlon ITU Qualifier and is now gearing up for the European Triathlon Championships in Glasgow.

And his mum Danielle Cotgrove says Joe has been putting in the hours as he looks to be an Olympian in the future.

“Joe has been doing brilliantly,” said Danielle. “He has been putting in 25 hours’ practice a week in the run-up to the competitions to give himself the best possible chance.

“He heads for the Gold Coast in September and he is working hard for the Europeans next month as well.

“He is too young to compete in the next Olympics but he wants to be world youth champion before that.”

Joe runs with Basildon AC and swims with Rochford & District Swimming Club.

But, unlike most of his Year 11 friends who have just completed their GCSEs at St Thomas More High School for Boys, Joe cannot afford some down time with European and world competitions on the horizon.

The ITU World Triathlon Grand Final is held on the Gold Coast between September 12 and 16.

And it has been a remarkable rise to prominence for Joe, who first got into the sport only three years ago.

“St Thomas More had an Olympian visit and speak about his career and it was something that Joe really took on board,” said Danielle.

“Shortly after the Olympian visited he did his first triathlon at Thorpe Park. He beat all the adults and has never really looked back.

“He has always swam and run for his school and the county. He is part of the British Triathlon East Region Academy and has done so well.

“The future is very exciting for Joe.”