AN international kayaker is set to make a remarkable comeback from troublesome neck and elbow injuries.

Zac Allin was a key member of Great Britain’s U23 squad at both World and European Championships in 2017, when he was still a teenager.

But in March of last year, the Prudhoe man (21) endured a severely trapped nerve in his neck, which prevented him from using his left tricep. The injury also affected his elbow, where a piece of cartilage had chipped off.

Now, after a year on the sidelines, Zac has been selected to represent Great Britain at U23 once again, after impressing at GB selection trials in Nottingham and London.

And he is set to compete at the U23 World Championships in Krakow, Poland, and at the European Championships in Letovsky, Slovakia, which will both take place in July.

“I’m delighted to be back,” he said. “I knew I was always capable of it. I have not been able to do much endurance training, so I know that I still have some way to go in my overall recovery. My neck has recovered now, but my elbow is still not quite there yet.

“I am currently not the fastest I ever have been, but I know I am getting there. I did enough to make the GB team, so I am delighted.”

It has been quite a journey for Zac, who joined the university of London in 2017, to study coaching and sports science.

But after struggling to adapt to a different environment in the capital, he transferred to Nottingham Trent University last September, to begin his second year.

He now trains at the city’s renowned Home Pierrepont national watersports centre, and is enjoying his kayaking once again.

“It was a great decision,” he said. “Everything from the paddling to the whole atmosphere suits me better, and I am enjoying it.

“However, I must say that the university physio in London helped me with my neck and arm pain, and for that I am very grateful.

“It hasn’t been easy. I initially tried to make a comeback too early, and that only made things worse, so I’ve had to be patient and I’ve had to work hard.”

Despite all he has been through, Zac said he has the bit between his teeth again and is looking forward to seeing what the future brings.

“It’s a great opportunity for me now. I’m back at the level that I want to be and I have to keep striving for improvement.”