Gravesend triathlete Sophie Coldwell insists she is ready to take 2013 by storm after leaving the Australian Youth Olympic Festival with a medal to show for her efforts.

The 18-year-old, pictured, kicked off her adventure Down Under on day three of the festival but was unable to climb the podium in the individual women’s event as she finished eighth.

But Coldwell changed all that 24 hours later as she joined forces with compatriots Georgia Taylor-Brown, Gordon Benson and Marc Austin for the mixed team relay.

And it was safety in numbers as Coldwell and co went on the claim bronze in Sydney with Australia claiming both the gold and silver medals.

Both the men’s and women’s individual golds also went to Australia so Coldwell knew she was in for a battle but was delighted that the British quartet stood up to the test.

“I was a little bit disappointed after finishing the individual without a medal so it is really nice to put that behind me in the relay,” she said.

“It was good to come together as a team and put in a good performance and come away with a medal.

“After what they did in the individual events we knew that both Australian teams would be strong and that is exactly what they were.

“It is our winter back at home so we are not really in race condition but it was good to stick with them as much as we did and give them a race and we are really pleased to all come away with bronze.”

Coldwell has some time to reflect on her Sydney success with the triathlon season in the UK some months away.

But the Gravesend teenager admits the new campaign cannot come quick enough after beginning 2013 with a bang.

“I am looking forward to getting back into training now and just getting ready for the new season and this is a great way to start,” she added.

“This is a great way to get going and it gives me a lot of confidence to go into training now and have a successful year.”

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values.www.olympics.org.uk