HE'S done it! The Forest's Nathan Fisher was flying home this week with a gold, a silver medal and two bronze medals after a superlative performance in competition at the world Special Olympic Games held in Greece.

The powerlifter beat all the odds as well as competitors from round the globe to achieve remarkable victories against formidable opposition.

Alan Elliott, his coach at Cinderford's Forest Fitness Centre, was elated at the news.

He said: "For many reasons it was a remarkable success. Nathan and many other members of the British team had been laid low by an outbreak of gastro-enteritis.

"Before the competition began and after carrying out conditioning and training, Nathan had gone out with other members of the British team to sample Greek culture. But after eating a meal they were taken ill.

"At one stage Nathan was on a drip and in the days leading up to the competition he had no proper food. At one stage it looked as though he would be unable to lift."

Describing Nathan as determined to do well, he said it was his positive mental approach which won the day.

"He was hell-bent on winning and nothing was going to stop him. Despite the setbacks he was well prepared and determined to do his best - and he certainly did that," said Mr Elliott.

"He's a credit to himself, the Fitness Centre and the wider Forest. Given the circumstances his performances were unbelievably high. I'm delighted for him and I know there are many others who regard his achievements as quite remarkable and brilliant," said Mr Elliott.

He said Nathan particularly wanted to say a "thank-you" to those who had sponsored him and especially K W Bell and Son. To finance his trip he had to raise £2,000.

"It has all been worth it. Nathan's success is a first for the Forest and everyone involved in sport will admire him achievements," said Mr Elliott.