A Telford College student will be making his debut at the world BMX racing championships this summer.

Markku Reynolds is heading to Danish capital Copenhagen later this month to represent the Republic of Ireland in the competition.

“This will be my first time competing in the world championships – but hopefully not my last,” he said.

Up to 3,500 competitors will be taking part, with thousands of spectators expected. Organisers describe it as ‘a global collaboration striving to set new standards for the sport of BMX racing’.

The 17-year-old, who is part Irish and part Finnish, was born in Telford, and is studying a level three coaching and physical education course at the college’s Wellington campus.

The multi-talented student is also a rising volleyball star, who recorded a top 10 finish at the inter-regional championships as part of the West Midlands team earlier this year.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my Telford College experience so far, learning all about practical skills in sports leadership, sports performance, and coaching, as well as insights into professional development, research methods, and business in sport.

“When I was six, we were in the back garden when my dad heard commentary of what sounded like a BMX race around the corner from where we were living, by the Telford Langley School.

“We went to investigate, and discovered there was a local club, which we went along to the following weekend – and that’s when my brother Kasperi and I fell in love with the sport.

“At the world championships, we have both been selected to represent Ireland – I’m in the 17-24 age category, and he is in the age section below.”

As for his love of volleyball, Markku says this again came from his father, who played at the highest level in Ireland’s premier league.

“I started playing at the age of two – with a balloon – and had joined Telford Volleyball Club by the age of six.

“The inter-regional championships is a national volleyball tournament for under 15 and 17 where regions within Great Britain compete against each other. I played for the West Midlands under 17 team as a setter.”

For the future, Markku says he is hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps by competing at the highest level of volleyball, as well as ‘continually progressing’ in BMX.

“I hope to continue to progress and improve in both sports after college, but also use my qualifications to help with coaching at my local BMX club,” he said.