Dunedin schoolgirl Jordan Donaldson made an outstanding start to her international career when she won a bronze medal at the world championships in Adelaide on Thursday.
Jordan (9), a year 4 pupil at St Leonards School, moved into third rounding the final corner to win the bronze medal.
"I can't believe it," Jordan told the Otago Daily Times from Adelaide yesterday.
"I'm the world No 3."
Jordan contested four races before she reached the 25-rider final.
She was second in her three qualifying races and repeated this effort in the semifinal.
Jordan has established an impressive record since starting the sport two years ago.
She won the North Island championships in Gisborne in October last year and the South Island title in Alexandra in January.
New Zealand president Bruce Northwood said New Zealand had its best day at a world championships on Thursday when 22 riders reached the finals.
The New Zealand team won nine medals on the first day of the championships - two gold, four silver and three bronze.
