Amy Platten picked up her third European Cup bronze medal of the year – just days after securing a place in the Great Britain European Championship squad.

Herts Advertiser: Amy Platten with her bronze medalAmy Platten with her bronze medal (Image: Archant)

The St Albans judoka had already picked up bronze medals at the events in Fuengirola, Spain, and Cluj Napoca, Romania, before making it a hat-trick at Coimbra, Portugal.

And that followed a letter informing her of her selection for the 44kg category at the European Championships in Finland next month.

Platten’s attempt to move up the podium steps in Portugal began with victory over Belgium’s Amelien Deckers.

But a single penalty proved her undoing in the next round, as she lost to Mireia Comas Lapuerta, winner at the Fuengirola event.

The repercharge though gave her a second chance and she took full advantage, beating Liza Gateau of France by submission, and Tamar Malca of Israel, by virtue of the ‘golden score’ rule.

The fight for the bronze against Russian Anastasiia Khripunova proved less of a challenge with Platten landing an utchi mata for ippon and the win.

Platten said: “I was really pleased with my performance in all my fights, even the one I lost.

“The cherry on the cake was to be selected for the European Championships.

“I know I can get better and will give my best to try and come back with a medal.

“I really want to thank all my supporters like HTAP, 948 Sport Foundation, Redbridge Judo Club, and all my friends and family, without them I wouldn’t be able to compete at this level.”