University of East London’s Ali Jawad won another para-powerlifting medal for England at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Jawad, 29, had finished third in Glasgow four years ago, but suffered with Crohn’s disease in the build-up to the current Games.
He put that behind him, though, to match his 2014 result with a best lift of 161kg to give him 182.7 points, calculated using a formula to combine competitor’s body weight to the weight they lift, and claim another bronze.
He said: “My career was pretty much over last year. I have only been training for six weeks, so to perform like that was incredible.
“Just to be here was amazing and I was never meant to make it. This was a bonus and I just had to think of the dark times to inspire me.
“For me this cycle is about Tokyo and pushing for gold there and if I am healthy in the next two years, I’ll be up there.”
Former UEL student Bianca Williams qualified for the next round of the women’s 200m after finishing second in her heat in 23.20 seconds.
And Newham & Essex Beagles Finette Agyapong also progressed after finishing second in her heat in 23.15.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here