ONE of Tamworth's brightest juniors sports stars has shone at on the world stage.
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Jack Davis pulled out all the stops to progress to the quarter finals of the 2019 BMX World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.
Competing in the under-19 elite event, Davis went up against some of the best junior riders in the world before being eliminated in the round of eight.
Having competed in Belgium in 2015 at under-13 level, the stage was one Davis had experienced before.
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However, the 17-year-old said this latest honour was beyond anything he had experienced in the past.
"This time was different, it was an official Cycling Australia team and it was such an honour to wear the jersey," Davis told the Leader.
"It was so cool because while we were away, being considered 'pros' was this huge thing.
"I don't think I've ever been so excited to receive a jersey in my entire life.
"It was awesome."
Davis overcame a shaky start to the tournament to qualify in second place from his early events heading into the quarter final.
However, that was where Davis' good fortunes would end.
After leading the pack at the first turn, Davis was bumped over the first turn and eventually eliminated from the competition.
"The result certainly wasn't what I would have liked to walk away with," Davis said.
"But, I was super happy with how I was riding physically."
"From doing all of the preparations myself, I thought I was in great physical condition," he said.
"My first race didn't go as planned but I managed to keep a level head and get through to the quarters."
Davis said he would look to work on his "mental strength" going forward.
"I think I could have been a lot stronger mentally," he said.
"If I was, I believe I cold have gone all the way.
"So, that is something I need to work on."
The 2019 Tamworth Regional Council Sportsman of the Year will now turn his attention to more international events in both America and Australia.