Olympic hurdler Jack Green will get the chance to defend his European under-23 title after being added to the GB squad for the Championships in Tampere, Finland.

The 21-year-old from Hythe reached the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at London 2012 but has suffered a frustrating start to the 2013 season.

He was omitted from the original party for the competition from July 11-14 when it was announced on June 17 but was one of 15 athletes added to the team by British Athletics on Tuesday morning.

He said: "I didn't make the top-two at the trials, which is why I was not in the initial squad, but I was third, and I am defending champion, so it was up to me whether I wanted to go.

"It has been a difficult year for me so far but I feel like I'm in the best physical shape I've ever been in, and my performances in training are the best they have been.

"I decided on Sunday that I wanted to go and I wouldn't go if I didn't think I could win it. I am going there to win, not just make a final or get a medal."

Green claimed the title in Ostrava, Czech Republic, in 2011, running a time of 49.13secs.

After winning the crown in his first year of eligibility for the competition, this summer's competition provides Green with a rare chance for an under-23 champion to defend their title.

The Maidstone-born former Mid-Kent College student joins Niall Flannery and Sebastian Rodger in the GB party for the event.

Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili will also travel to Finland to contest the 100m, 200m and 4x100m while Blackheath & Bromley's Lorraine Ugen will take part in the long-jump.

Meanwhile Tonbridge judo star Rico Atkinson, 16, has been named in TeamGB for the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht, Holland, from July 14-19.

Beckenham tennis ace Tom Wright, 14, and swimmer Luke Gunning, 15, are also in the party to travel to the Netherlands.