FRINTON'S Ottilie Robinson-Shaw secured a medal at the European Freestyle Kayaking Championships.

It was her first international company and she returned home with a bronze, having travelled with 20 Team GB athletes for the prestigious event in Bavaria, Germany.

"All the hard work in training this year paid off," said the delighted Ipswich High School student.

"I had an amazing time in Germany and am now looking forward to the World Championships."

The three-day event started with preliminary heats and the two best scores total counting.

This was the first year Ottilie was eligible to compete in the junior women's category and, at 14, she was the youngest competitor in the European Championships.

She managed to gain the second highest score in one run, achieving a commendable 356 points.

Competing the next day in the squirt boat senior women's category, she had the spectators in high spirits with outstanding runs in a tough competition against elite competitors.

She eventually achieved fourth position overall.

Five junior women got through to the freestyle finals, competing on three runs with the highest run score counting.

Ottilie's runs were consistent in points and she was delighted to win the bronze medal at her first international competition.

Prior to the Europeans, Ottilie was mentored and trained by the Athlete Support Programme.

This helped prepare her for the physical and mental demands of competing internationally and last month an overseas publication named her as one of three junior freestyle kayakers worldwide to watch out for in the future.

Overall, the team returned home with a gold, silver and bronze medal.

The event had started with a spectacular opening ceremony, with German dignitaries in traditional dress at the town square, welcoming the athletes for a procession through the town where thousands lined the streets, while the closing ceremony was attended by Albert Woods OBE, president of the European Canoe Association and British Canoeing.