Falkirk’s Peter Linkstead is no rookie on the international canoe slalom circuit but insists he still has everything to prove as the youngest member of British team.

The paddler broke onto the senior scene last season and reached the semi-final stage of every international competition he entered.

But the 21-year-old knows he is still earning his spurs on a team studded with stars, including Olympic medallists Mallory Franklin and Joe Clarke.

He said: "It's been pretty exciting to get back on the senior team. 

"Last year being my first year was a bit of a weird one because it wasn't a full season. 

"But it very much felt like this year, I've finally done it for real and I get to make the most of the full opportunity. 

"It was a bit of a struggle to get it done in selection, having big mistakes on the first day, so I had to have two really good days at the end, which I was happy I managed to pull off. 

"I very much feel like the youngest on the team, the most recent into it, so there doesn't feel like too much pressure."

The selection process took place over Easter at the world-class Lee Valley White Water Centre and Linkstead had a tough opening day.

Strong performances on the second and third saw him hurtling up the rankings to secure his ticket to the senior stage.

The Scot is fighting on two international fronts this season, also going for gold on the under-23 circuit.

He said: "It's going to be really busy doing the senior and under-23 stuff together, so I'm cramming in some training now and then racing back-to-back during the summer.

"There's a little bit more expectation. I was happy last year that I made every semi-final I was in, so it very much feels like I need to at least keep that going.

"I don't turn up to these venues and it's my first race there anymore, there's a little bit more to actually deliver than just racing and seeing what happens. 

In his debut senior season, Linksted finished 29th in C1 and 10th in the C1 team event at the World Championships in Slovenia.

But the ro​okie has his sights set on showcasing his growing experience at this year's event in Germany.

With Lee Valley Water Park announced as the host for the 2023 World Championships, a crucial Olympic qualifier, Linksted is already looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd.

He said: "It's always the big one of the season. 

"Last year was my first Worlds and I was pretty happy with how I paddled for a lot of it, but not with the result. 

"The home Worlds is the one that everyone wants. A year out from the Games, it will have big implications for that selection as well.

"I want to show what I can do there."

British Canoeing is the National Governing Body for paddlesports in the UK. If you’ve been inspired by Bradley and want to try paddling, visit the Go Paddling website https://gopaddling.info