Enfield Grammar School’s Wesley Greenidge was the flagbearer for Team GB at the European Youth Olympic festival in Georgia.

The competition, which got underway last week in Tblisi, welcomed around 2,500 athletes from 50 European nations. The festival hosts nine sports including athletics, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, handball, judo, swimming and tennis and volleyball.

Judoka Greenidge was nominated to be the flagbearer at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. The 17-year-old was voted for the role by his team mates and Chef de Mission Heather Fell.

The judoka is the holder of the national title for cadets and a silver from the juniors. Greenidge also claimed two silver medals at the Cadet European Cup this year.

The teenager lost his second round fight to Yahor Kukharenka in the 90kg category.

Greenidge said: “I lost on a penalty to the eventual bronze medallist. He threw everyone for the rest of the day except me but I’m still not happy with my performance in the fight. I felt I fought better on the day.

“I’ll take away those mistakes from the fight and try to learn from them. I’ll also take away the experience of what it’s like being part of a multi-sport event. I’d love to get to Tokyo 2020 and that’s my goal."

He added: “The overall experience has been really good. I’ve loved being part of Team GB and have made some new friends. The highlight was definitely carrying the flag at the Opening Ceremony. Walking out there with everyone looking at you and knowing who you are and what sport you represent is something I’m very proud of.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know other athletes from other sports. It’s been really good to see everyone getting along.”