Kristian Thomas was left pinching himself in amazement after he claimed Great Britain’s first-ever World Championships vault medal as he brought the curtain down in Antwerp with bronze.
The 24-year-old, who claimed team bronze at London 2012, headed into the final with expectations of a medal having qualified in fourth place.
And Thomas indeed climbed one place to finish on the podium as he scored 15.233 for his two vaults to take bronze, Korean Hak Seong Yang and Steven Legendre of America finishing first and second respectively.
It helped bring the curtain down on a fine World Championships for Great Britain with Thomas’ medal adding to the pommel horse silver Max Whitlock had already claimed – the latter also finishing fourth in the all-around final.
And Thomas admitted he was struggling to take his latest achievement in after helping Britain prove its credentials on the world stage.
“It’s amazing, a few weeks ago I didn’t even know if I’d make the team, it’s been a roller-coaster year and to get that medal – I couldn’t be any happier,” he said.
“To make the final was the first aim then to get a medal I’m over the moon, really really happy and proud.
“Once again the British gymnasts have proved how good we are and I’m delighted to have contributed to that success.”
© Sportsbeat 2013