Which event did you compete in at the Paralympics (the Olympic Games for athletes with disabilities)?

I represented Britain in powerlifting at the 2000 Games in Sydney. Powerlifting is like weightlifting at the Olympics but athletes lie on their backs to lift the weights. I won the gold medal - that’s my proudest achievement so far.

How did you first get into it?

I went to Stoke Mandeville junior games as a wheelchair track and field athlete. There was an opportunity to have a go at powerlifting and on the first lift I broke the world record! So I then changed events! I was really happy that powerlifters compete indoors too - I was fed up with training in the rain.

What's the hardest thing about competing at such high levels?

I find it really difficult to cope with getting so nervous.

What advice would you give to any young person wanting to compete in the Paralympics or Olympics?

Find a sport that you really enjoy and hopefully you will excel at it too. And the Disabled Sports Association can help out those with disabilities too.