WILTSHIRE’S rising star Jenna Blundell now knows she can perform on the international stage after a highly successful debut for England at the World Schools’ Championships in Croatia.

The 17-year-old, from Bradford on Avon, finished third in both the 100m hurdles and long jump, second in the medley relay and crowned a superb week with an all-important gold medal for the elite England squad in the girls’ team competition.

“The championships are all about the overall team result, so while I didn’t get any individual medals, I did win a gold with the team, so I have no complaints about that at all,” said Blundell.

“Plus, it was an amazing week to compete abroad for the first time and it was just such a brilliant experience. I loved every second of it.”

Blundell, a former student at St Laurence School, raced to a personal best of 13.74secs in the hurdles and cleared 5.80m in the long jump, just outside her PB of 5.93m.

“I got a good start but became a little unbalanced towards the finish,” explained Blundell about her hurdles performance.

“I was hoping for gold, but I am not unhappy with bronze and a PB for the U18s event.

“My big aim for the long jump was to clear six metres, but I was very consistent and did not fall below 5.75m, so that was good.

“The medley relay was just a lot of fun, although I was very nervous going off on leg one in the 100m. I did okay and had a good changeover, so it went well.”

Blundell will now turn her attention to the England Athletics U23/20 Combined Events Championships in Bedford this weekend, knowing that a top performance will put her in contention for selection to represent Great Britain at the European Junior Championships in Sweden later this summer.

“I am very excited about this weekend,” said Blundell.

“I am going to embrace the pressure without putting myself under any more personally to perform. I am going to Bedford to enjoy myself and then we’ll see what happens.”

In her current mood, it would be no surprise if Blundell is enjoying more trips abroad by the end of the season.