THERE was joy for Bexley canoeists as they paddled their way to medal glory at the London Youth Games regatta on Saturday.

In the kayak slalom senior male event, 15-year-old Beth Grammar School student Lewis Hammond took silver.

He was followed onto the podium by borough team-mates Connor Brasnell and Kim Holland, both of whom won medals in the kayak sprint competition.

Hammond said: “Canoe polo is my speciality, but I was asked to do this.

“I missed last year because I had put my back out.

“All of my mates have won medals at the London Youth Games, so I thought it was my turn.”

Fellow Beths student Brasnell won silver in the junior male cirrus class.

“Hopefully I will use this experience to get more training and be better for next year,” he said.

Holland took bronze in the kayak sprint male lightning class.

The 11-year-old Bursted Wood Primary pupil said: “I feel very proud after winning a medal at the London Youth Games.

“Last time I came fourth so it was an achievement to come third this time.

“I’ll definitely continue on with kayaking.”

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