A FLINTSHIRE Paralympian is set to represent Team GB at the 2020 Summer Paralympics later this month - after a year's delay due to Covid-19 putting the major event on hold.

The mother of Sabrina Fortune, from Mold, says her family are 'very excited' to see her compete - although they will do so from home in North Wales due to fans not being allowed in the stadiums in Japan.

As a child, Sabrina was diagnosed with speech dyspraxia, a condition that affects a person’s fine motor skills. It makes verbal communication difficult and, in Sabrina’s case, it also made her prone to tripping over.

But through her life, she has overcome every obstacle which stood in her way to become the number one ranked shot put paralympian in the world in category F20 throwing events.

At the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Sabrina came home with a bronze medal and a personal best throw of 12.94 metres to her name.

The 23-year-old star continued to rise as in August 2018 she won her first major title at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin. Her winning throw of 13.30 metres smashed the championship record.

Sabrina also won her first world championship title in Dubai back in November 2019.

Her mother Paula says her family will be supporting her from home after what has been a 'bit of a funny year and a bit due to Covid-19'.

Paula said: "We're all very excited about Sabrina being at Tokyo despite the fact that we can't be there due to fans not being allowed into stadiums.

"It will be very different to what we experienced in Brazil in 2016, when we were there and the atmosphere was amazing.

"But, we're going to get the family together and we're even thinking of making it a fully authentic Japanese experience by getting some sushi in to eat.

"Sabrina's been fully vaccinated and Team GB are doing the very best they can to keep all the athletes safe. She is flying out on August 14th.

"She's been itching to get out there and throw and we can't wait to watch her. We hope the local community will be showing their support too."

Sabrina, who first became inspired to take up athletics after watching her brother James compete, is among over 1,500 National Lottery funded athletes on UK Sport’s World Class Programme, allowing them to train full time and have access to world class coaching and medical support.

Speaking on how her love of shot put came about, mum Paula said: "Sabrina saw James taking part in a number of athletics events and thought 'I'll have a go'.

"She started taking part and we quickly realised she was very good."

Paula added: "As Sabrina is an elite athlete she has been able to train and she's even been going to the quarry based in Hope to practice her throws there. She just can't wait to get going again properly."