An ex-soldier from Aberbargoed has taken a step closer to competing in the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
Lewis Edwards, 26, is one of 100 athletes to be given funding and mentoring as part of the SSE Next Generation programme, as he prepares to complete in the paratriathlon at the games.
Mr Edwards narrowly missed out on competing for Wales in swimming at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year, and turned his attention to triathlon after winning gold medals in the pool at the Invictus Games.
He joined Taff Ely Triathlon Club and heard advice from sporting legends such as Sir Chris Hoy, Judy Murray and Darren Campbell at the Next Generation programme’s launch.
Mr Edwards lost his arm above the elbow in a car crash in 2008, resulting in his medical discharge from the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh.
He said: “The last 12 months have been hard, there’s been a lot of ups and downs but it’s all part of the experience.
“I narrowly missed out on the Commonwealth Games and that was when I decided to make the switch from swimming to triathlon. I felt I had gone as far as I could in the pool but now I’m at a peak age to start triathlon and I’m looking towards Rio and Tokyo.
“Eight years ago I lost my arm in a car accident, but I only started sport three years ago so it’s still a new journey.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to be selected for the SSE Next Generation programme, there are only a select few who get this chance and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”