Barnet youngster Jack De Naeyer was the toast of the town on Saturday after impressing at the Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta.

Over 700 entrants from across 31 boroughs locked horns across four sports at London Docklands, with Ravenscroft School pupil De Naeyer finishing 14th in the junior boys' kayak slalom.

De Naeyer, who was representing the Borough of Barnet and lives on Sherrards Way, followed in the footsteps of former London Youth Games attendees Rio Ferdinand, Christine Ohuruogu and Bradley Wiggins by catching the eye at Europe’s largest annual youth sports event.

“The day was really good, but it was very hot while I was in the water,” said 13-year-old De Naeyer, who trains at Phoenix Canoe Club in Brent Cross.

“This is the first time I have been to the London Youth Games and the first time I have ever done anything like this, so it has been a lot of fun and a good experience.

“Hopefully I can come back next year.”

De Naeyer’s performance did not go unnoticed by former London Youth Games competitor and 2008 Olympic rowing gold medallist Mark Hunter.

The 31-year-old is convinced the London Youth Games, which returned to the calendar in 2008 after several years’ absence, will continue to uncover future Team GB gold medallists.

“It was fantastic to see all the kids down at the regatta competing and having fun,” said Hunter. “It’s great for kids to be competing against the different boroughs, to introduce them to sports and to get them involved.

“And who knows, I could have seen another Olympic champion out there on the water.”

* In 2008, Thames Water played a pivotal part in making the Regatta a permanent feature at the London Youth Games and has committed to support it until 2013.