IT takes exceptional talent to compete in the Paralympic Games and Andy Lewis’s arduous journey to Rio – and to the top of the podium – has been no mean feat.

The 33-year-old said the race was his toughest yet and he pushed himself so hard he was actually sick while cycling.

Despite the challenge he set a new personal best of 1hr 11mins exactly adding Paralympic gold to his world and European triathlon titles.

This page celebrates the Lydney athlete’s phenomenal efforts in Rio as he fulfils his dream of winning gold for his country.

Andy said: “The setting was beautiful, where is there more of an iconic place than Copacabana beach? The weather was overcast to start but as the race went on it became very hot. I was third out of the swim which isn’t great as I’m normally first. Next I get on the bike which was so hard I was actually sick. People were passing me, five in fact. But I had to stay calm.

“After dismounting the bike and getting on the run I knew I could make the podium, what was next was which colour I would take.”

•All photos courtesy of OnEdition.