TROWBRIDGE high jump star Tom Gale says he was delighted with his performance at the British Championships after recording a season’s best of 2.17m.

The championships, which took place in Birmingham over the weekend, saw Gale searching to find some form after admitting to being disappointed with his display at the Commonwealth Games.

His effort at the Alexander Stadium was good enough for tied fourth-place, three centimetres behind gold medal winner Mike Edwards.

With the contest taking place on the second day in Birmingham, Gale made a great start as he cleared his opening height of 2.03m with ease.

Both 2.08m and 2.13m both took a little more work, but the 18-year-old was able to surpass both on the second attempt enabling him to move up to 2.17.

At this height it was a case of third time lucky for the former John of Gaunt School pupil as he was able to get over with his final effort.

With the bar set at 2.20m, Gale couldn’t find a way over in his three tries which brought his afternoon to an end.

“The British Championships was great this year I really enjoyed my time competing,” said the teenager.

“I was happy to see British Athletics promoting the event more this year as last year was very disappointing in terms of turn out.

“This year the crowd was fantastic and so supportive, so I was very happy to be there.”

With Gale being one place away from the podium, which would have seen him claim his first medal at the British Championships, he admits he was left with mixed emotions.

The teenager missed out on qualification for the European Athletics Championships, which will take place in Berlin next month.

There is a qualifying standard of 2.26m which will guarantee a spot in the competition for Germany but Gale still has plenty of opportunities to qualify in the meantime.

“I was very happy with my performance this year,” he added.

“Although I was one place away from a medal I’m grateful to come away with a season’s best and come so close to qualifying for the European championships.

“It was frustrating to come so close to a medal but it was a strong contest.

“I’m glad I stepped up and came close to claiming my first British medal.”