A UNIVERSITY of Worcester graduate is one step closer to competing at this summer’s Rio Paralympic Games after being crowned the world’s number one women’s F31 seated club thrower.
Leanna Horne, who was ranked the best F31 seated club thrower in the UK, went on to take the world title at the ‘Open Grand Prix’ in Berlin.
Born with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis, all four of the 28-year-old’s limbs are affected, but since competing in seated shot in 2002, she has gone on to the gain international classification in the sport.
“I was under-15s regional and national champion in 2002 and 2003, as well as under-17 regional and national champion. In 2004 I was also an under-20s bronze medallist,” said Horne.
“In January 2014 I was formally classified by British and UK Athletics and began training and competing in seated discus, seated club throw and seated shot.
“And now I return from Berlin as the world’s number one women’s F31 seated club thrower.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who got behind me to get me there,” she added.
The first selection for Team GB’s Rio squad will be announced today (Wednesday), with the wildcard selection being announced on Monday, August 8.
