STEFAN Gradwell has set his sights on the Commonwealth Game after winning bronze at the World Schoolboy Wrestling Championships.

The 16-year-old member of Bolton Olympic Wrestling Club kept up its proud traditions by claiming a podium place at the event, which was part of the 16th ISF Gymnasiade, held in Trabzon, Turkey.

The worldwide tournament, organised by the International Schoolsport Federation, brought together more than 2,500 young athletes from 30 countries, competing in a variety of sporting disciplines.

Stefan was understandably proud of his achievement: "It has always been my dream to represent my club and country at a world championships, but to also win a medal, especially at such a young age, is just overwhelming. It is hard to describe how proud I feel.

"I just want thank all my sparring partners and coaches at BOWC and Team GB for all their help over the years, and especially my family for believing in me and supporting me, I wouldn’t be in this position without them."

Since returning home safely from the championships, which were held at the time of the attempted coup in Turkey, Stefan has been called up to train with the English Commonwealth Games squad.

Coach Lee Meadows says he has been inspired to push for a place in the senior team by fellow Bolton wrestler and national champion Geroge Ramm.

He said: "His goal is to earn a place on the plane for the 2018 Games, which will be held in the Gold Coast in Australia.

"He is still very young but will be a similar age to George when he competed in the Glasgow Games, so that has given Stefan the confidence to go for it.

“What he has achieved already has been amazing. Stefan is such an inspiration to our young athletes and we are all incredibly proud of him."