In his 16th season, Phil Wylie has finally realised his life-long ambition of winning his first international medal.
Representing Great Britain at the European Duathlon Championships in Weyer, Austria, the 35-year-old athlete from St Leonard's finished third – and only lost the silver in a thrilling sprint finish.
But not even that slight disappointment could diminish the sheer delight that Wylie enjoyed at finally making the podium.
"It feels amazing to win my first individual medal and I am so happy," said Wylie. "I think this is my 16th year competing in major duathlons or triathlons so it is difficult to describe in words how I feel at finally making the podium.
"It is a mixture of great satisfaction, pride and no little relief all bundled into one – and I have had the biggest smile on my face since getting the medal!
"I have been chasing this for a long time and a European bronze feels like my Olympic or world gold."
Wylie's path to third wasn't easy as he battled against an elite field that was evenly matched, with the medals only decided in the final 5k run after a gruelling opening 10k run and 40k bike ride.
"It was a really tough, brutal race and the bike route was very hilly and technical while the runs were challenging," added Wylie.
"I am naturally quite hard to please so I was a little disappointed that I lost the silver in a sprint but that didn't last long as I was so pleased to make the podium at last."
Wylie was just edged out by reigning world champion Nicolas Benoit of France in the sprint. The title went to Rob Woestenborghs of Belgium.
The medal was the second of the weekend for Wylie as he had already helped the GB squad produce a surprise victory in the mixed relay event, beating the Netherlands and Austria.
That backs up the bronze they won in the same event at the World Duathlon Championships in Spain earlier in the summer, when Wylie was fourth in the individual discipline.
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