HARWELL’S Ben Goodall collected a notable bronze medal in his first competition after recovering from a serious back injury.

Competing for Milton Keynes in the 17-21 elite men’s category at the University of Nottingham tournament, Goodall put in two solid tumble runs with a combined score of 63.5 to take the bronze medal, and qualify for the British Championships

It has been a long journey for Goodall since he secured fifth place at the world championships in December 2015.

Having injured his lower back in training in January 2016, he only returned to training in August, having to build himself back up to competition fitness.

Then in early last month whileon a walking holiday, he injured his thigh in a fall only three weeks before his first major competition.

After managing two training session last week, he went into the Nottingham event looking to just hit a qualifying score.

Having to reduce the difficultly of his runs to allow for the weakness in his leg, his amazing execution mark saw him finish with an unlikely podium position.