A TEENAGE karate phenomenon has continued his remarkable comeback from injury by winning an international bronze medal.

Alston’s Brandon Carr finished third at the World Karate Championships in the Chilean capital of Santiago.

The 18-year-old earned his medal in the +84KG category at U21 level of the competition, where he went up against older and more experienced competitors.

His achievement on the world stage comes just three months after Brandon became England’s senior heavyweight karate champion, in July.

“I’m very pleased, and I’ve exceeded my expectations,” said Brandon. "Everything seemed to work perfectly. I could focus and read my opponents, and everything went my way.”

The former pupil at Alston’s Samuel Kings School has endured a difficult year, which makes his success all the more remarkable.

Back in April, he suffered a cartilage injury in his left knee, which threatened to curtail his availability for competitions.

“It has been difficult because it disrupts your training schedule. There are people who prepare for a full year for major events.

"I wasn’t able to do that, and I didn’t know I could compete until a couple of months before. That may seem like a long time, but really it’s not when you consider what’s needed to reach the required standard.”

The knock-out competition saw Brandon defeat an opponent from Kazakhstan in the first round, before getting the better of a Greek fighter in the second.

He defeated a Danish competitor in the quarter-finals, before narrowly losing out to an Egyptian in the semi-finals. However, he secured his bronze medal with a play-off victory against a Serbian competitor.

Proud coach Junior Lefevre said: “Brandon is bronze medalist of the world, and it is great as he’s got such great potential in him, and great kicks for a heavyweight fighter.”

Brandon, who is studying sports science at Northumbria University, has a big few months ahead.

Later this month, he will head to Madrid as he bids to be part of the senior British squad at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. The event is one of several over the coming months where crucial Olympic qualifying points are available.

“I’m only 18,” he added. “But I have nothing to lose by trying.”