Paralympics British armed forces hero – Nick Beighton

Nick Beighton is taking part in the mixed double sculls at the Paralympic Games.

The 30-year-old only came to rowing two years ago and has made a remarkable rise since then.

Beighton lost both of his legs in October 2009 when he was injured whilst fighting in Afghanistan, but was determined not to let this ruin his life.

At a Paralympic Potential day held at Brunel University in February 2010 – organised through the Battle Back programme – the Shrewsbury-born athlete impressed the British Paralympic Association.

Indeed, at the first World Cup of 2011 in Munich, Germany, he secured a bronze medal with partner Samantha Scowen, despite only being involved in the sport for one year.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Beighton admitted that rowing had brought nothing but good things for him.

"It's given me a real focus and a positive feeling about where my life is and the direction I can take it in," he added.

A passionate rock climber and mountaineer, Beighton also likes to ski and snowboard in his spare time.

Posted by Mark Wilkins