ROBIN Womack is rejoicing after winning his first ever medal at a major international competition.

The Southend-based shot-putter finished third at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester at the weekend.

And the 37-year-old was overjoyed by his best ever performance against such high calibre opposition.

“Most of the people I was up against are funded athletes who competed in the Beijing Paralympics last summer, so to come third was brilliant and I’m delighted to get a medal,” said Womack, whose furthest effort registered at 10.47m.

“I wasn’t that pleased with my performance because I know I’m capable of more, but getting my first ever major medal and going onto the rostrum was fantastic.

“It was a great feeling and one that I certainly want to experience again.”

Womack, who trains at the Excel Health and Performance Centre in Eastwood, was originally credited with second.

But, after successfully protesting against a red flag, Daniel West was promoted back into the gold medal position.

That moved Milan Blaha of the Czech Republic down into silver and Womack bronze.

Despite that blow, wheelchair-bound Womack remained positive and so he should after forcing his way to the top of his event after two seasons of immense improvement.

Back in 2007, his personal best was 9.41m but since then it has risen more than a metre to 10.66m and Womack still believes he is capable of better.

And he has one particular distance in mind.

“I think I’m capable of breaking the world record one day,” said the keen Southend United supporter.

“It’s currently at 11.85m but with the work I’m going to be doing at Excel I think I can get there and it’s what I’m striving for.

“It’s a big couple of years for me as I try to get into the squad for the major championships and there are targets I must meet to qualify for them.

“The biggest target of all is the 2012 Paralympics in London but there are a lot of things to come before then including the World Championships in 2011.”

But Womack’s immediate concern is an international meeting at Stoke Mandeville which takes place on Sunday, June 14.