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Caleb Hughes lands 5km time trial bronze in Hoorn

Caleb Hughes reached the senior European podium for the first time with 5km time trial bronze in Hoorn.

Competing at the 2016 European Open Water Championships, Hughes clocked 55:06.1 to claim his medal.

Russia’s Kirill Abrosimov won gold in 54:34.3 while Italy’s Federico Vanelli took silver in 54:54.4.

But Loughborough University swimmer Hughes was more than five seconds clear of Germany’s Rob Muffels (55:11.3) in fourth.

Hughes surprised to reach first podium

The 20-year old had finished sixth in Sunday’s 10km mass start event, with teammate Jack Burnell winning silver.

But Hughes insisted he hadn’t expected to progress three further places on the leaderboard.

“I’m very surprised with the medal but it shows we are on the right track in Britain,” said Hughes.

“It was really exciting for me, when I was in the finish and several good competitors were still out on the course.”

Hughes’ result continued a fine record for English swimmers in European 5km time trial events.

Daniel Fogg won European gold in 2014 while Danielle Huskisson finished on top in the women’s event in Hoorn.

University of Bath swimmer Jay Lelliott was also in action in the Netherlands, finishing 18th overall in 57:46.1.

Image credit: G. Perottino / Deepbluemedia

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