Windsurfing-wonder Gordon Smith banished the memories of his injury heartache at last year's Junior World Championships to post a top-12 finish this time around.
The 15-year-old from Highwoods qualified for the 2003 Junior World Championships in Mexico - only to pick up a foot injury while training for the event in South America.
But fortunately for Smith, lightning did not strike twice as he headed out to this year's event in Bulgaria.
He told the Evening Gazette newspaper: "I was just hoping that my injury last year was a one-off and I wasn't really thinking about whether I would be unlucky again.
"I felt really good going into the championships and had an amazing experience while I was out there."
Smith spent two weeks out in Nessebar representing Great Britain, initially to become acclimatised to the conditions before the five-day racing schedule got under way.
Smith, who trains off East Mersea, said: "In a couple of my races I finished second. I also came third and sixth on other days they were my top results.
"The organisers add all your score after the day's racing, and going into the final day I was in 11th spot.
"I was really prepared to go for it on the last day, but unfortunately a strong wind was moving all over the place and it affected a lot of the other competitors too."
Despite falling to 12th place overall, fresh from his Bulgarian expedition, Smith admitted he was pleased with his showing.
Published Tuesday August 17, 2004
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