TOM Gale ended his season winning his third Great Britain under 20s vest but is already turning his thoughts to 2017, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 17-year-old junior international, from Trowbridge, was selected for the inaugural Manchester International on Wednesday, representing GB U20s against seniors teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, as well as a combined British Athletics League/UK Women’s League team and the Armed Forces.

With no pressure to deliver a result, it was the perfect way for Gale to wrap up an amazing summer that has catapulted him into the limelight.

“Wearing a GB vest again is a great way to end my season,” said Gale. “It makes it a perfect end to a great summer.

“But looking ahead, it will be the European U20 Championships in 2017 and I will have to aim for a medal in that.

“Some guys (fellow Europeans) who finished ahead of me in the Worlds won’t be eligible and I will be one of the older competitors, so it is going to be a strong opportunity for me.

“Plus, I want to move up into the top six of the world junior rankings. That will help motivate me during the winter.”

If prizes were being awarded for the most improved junior athlete of the year, then the John of Gaunt School student would be a strong contender.

Two years ago, Gale finished 35th in the 2014 K Rankings for under 17 men on 1.86m and didn’t even qualify for the Wiltshire team at the English Schools’ Championships.

Now, he is a World Junior Championships finalist and has soared to the top of the UK Rankings for U20 men with the PB of 2.18m that he jumped in Poland.

“I have improved 22cms over the past year, which is pretty crazy,” added Gale.

“I can honestly say I am so pleased with how it has gone for me this summer, though I wold have liked to have gone over 2.20m.

“As for my best moment, it wasn’t so much jumping my personal best or getting to the number one spot but the experience of competing at the World Juniors.

“I had such a great time in Poland and met some incredible athletes. It really opened my eyes about the challenge and opportunities that come from these events.

“That was the high point of the year for me and I learned so much about myself and what I need to do for the future.”

Gale is wise enough to know he won’t improve by 22cms next year and that his progression will inevitably slow down, claiming that he won't quite be challenging for the world record yet.

 “I will be looking to become more consistent and even when I have a bad year, learn how to come back stronger from that,” said Gale.

“But after the Worlds, I told my coach this would be my dream job and something I would love to do in the future.”