Amy Platten repeated her success at the Commonwealth Games by getting 2023 off to a good start.
The St Albans judoka won bronze in Birmingham last year and earned the same colour at the Warsaw Open.
A bye in the first round meant a clash with Eva Perez Soler of Spain and she progressed through that with a wazari move and solid defence.
Her path to gold though was stopped at the next stage, eventually winner Wenna Zhuang of China taking advantage of a loss of concentration by Platten early in the fight.
It put her in the bronze medal repechage and after a win in the first bout, her opponent disqualified for dangerous technique, she claimed her prize by beating France's Manon Urdiales in a golden score period.
And yet despite the place on the podium, the 21-year-old feels there is still more in the locker, after going into the competition in Poland as the top seed.
She said: "I fought a little nervously and I am a bit disappointed in my fight with Zhuang but I found a way to push through to win the bronze.
"It sets up a busy period with three more competitions in quick succession, starting with the Rome Open and then two Grand Slams in Georgia and Turkey.
"Hopefully I can pick up more points to get in the top 30."
Platten is also on the lookout for financial help as she looks to achieve her goal of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She said: "I am also busy doing master classes and looking for a sponsor, if there is anyone interested in supporting me.
"That would help fund the competitions and training I need."
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