IT wasn’t quite the fairytale finish on the podium he trained so hard for - but Milford Haven Karate Club instructor Kevin John still had ample reason to be proud after a strong strong showing in the WUFK World Karate Championships in Dundee, Scotland, on the weekend.

Competing in his veteran category, John won through his early rounds before an agonising 1-0 quarter final defeat cost him a second successive World semi final and a guaranteed medal.

John also competed for Wales in the team event, and again helped them book a spot in the last eight against a strong USA team.

But ultimately, a disqualification cost them and the Americans progressed.

However, John remained positive after another great experience for him on the elite stage.

“All together there was more than 40 countries and 21000 competitors involved over the four days - so to be in contention amongst the top eight in the World can only be a big positive,” he told Telegraph Sport.

“I believe the standards in this event have been raised even higher again, and a lot of the guys competing are almost professional athletes.

“But from my point of view I took loads away from the tournament wo work on and improve. For example the speed and footwork of some fighters there was key.”

And John certainly has plenty to aim for, with his next major international tournament set to be the European Championships in Malta in October.

“It was a huge honour to represent Wales again and I now hope to do it again in Malta,” added John.

“And I just want to say thankyou to everyone back home for their kind wishes and huge support.”

Milford’s Kevin John in Dundee prior to the start of the WUFK World Karate Championships.