SPRINT hurdler Sam Bennett is jumping for joy after enjoying an incredibly successful season.

The teenager - who competes for Basildon Athletics Club - finished the campaign by winning a gold medal in the England Athletics Championships’ under-17 men’s 100m hurdles final.

But Bennett has also represented his country in the World Schools Championships and Commonwealth Youth Games in recent months.

And Bennett has been delighted with his form.

“I would say my season has been extremely successful but each individual victory in itself is huge,” said the 16-year-old.

“Only once I was able to step back and look at this year as a whole was I able to truly understand how incredible it has been.

“It felt amazing to add another gold to my collection at the England Athletics Championships and hopefully it will be one of many as I continue to progress and enjoy more great experiences like I have this year.”

The Southend High School for Boys A-level pupil was involved in his first ever overseas international event earlier this season, when he was selected for the World Schools Championships England team.

And Bennett enjoyed his time in France.

Bennett added: “It was an eye opening experience because I was able to compete in the highest calibre field of my life.

“Unfortunately, my individual races did not go as well as hoped, finishing fourth and just 0.04 seconds short of my first overseas international medal.

“But I also competed in the medley relay, where we won and I believe that was the highlight of my trip.

“The atmosphere and team spirit was amazing and I felt very comfortable.”

Bennett then went on to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games, which was held in the Bahamas, after being selected by his country once again.

And the Basildon athlete was overwhelmed by his time at the competition.

“I was selected to compete in both the hurdles and the 4x200m mixed gender relay, in which we came second, said the youngster.

“My first major international was a stand-out experience by far.

“Being selected as the male team captain was unreal.

“The only thing that could have made the experience better was a gold medal, which I won in the 110m hurdles.

“I was not only incredibly surprised, but so proud of myself because all of the hard work and training had rewarded me with a fantastic achievement in the end.

“The atmosphere and support from Team England was phenomenal.

“Now, to finish the season as England Champion at the England Athletics Championships and sixth in the all-time ranking was the best thing I could have done.”