FOREST special power lifter Nathan Fisher is preparing to fly out to Athens this Sunday to take part in the biggest competition of his life – the World Special Olym­pic Games.

And Alan Elliott, his coach at Cinderford's Forest Fitness Centre, believes there is every chance the dedicated sportsman can return home with a medal.

Having recently won a Gold in his weight class in the Scottish Special Power Lifting Championships, Nathan is said to be in great form.

Alan said: "We have high hopes he will win a medal in Athens. His performance in Scotland will have given a huge boost to his confidence and chance of success."

Nathan flies out with the British team from Heathrow on Sunday and will spend five days acclimatising and training ahead of the opening ceremony on June 25. Around 10,000 athletes from 180 countries will be taking part and there are over 200 power lifters.

Alan described Nathan's selection as a "wonderful experience." He said it followed 11 years of dedicated training and competitions.

The Scottish competition had been of huge importance as it was the first time Nathan had taken part without Alan as his coach.

"I knew he had to compete under the directions of the coaches who would be with the GB team in Athens, so for the first time I did not attend. We had been training very hard for the competition so that Nathan was well prepared and very confident," said Alan.

Over the years the accomplished Forest lifter has achieved remarkable success, including three Gold medals in the UK Special Olympic Games. He has been following an intensive training programme designed to ensure he peaks at the right time for the Athens events.

Thanking all the sponsors who have helped him towards the £2,000 cost of the trip, Nathan said he would be doing his very best.

He is the district's first World Special Olympics representative.