A NEWBRIDGE man is aiming to swim, cycle and run his way to Paralympic qualification for the Rio 2016 Games.

Russell White, 40, had his right arm amputated in 1998 from ongoing complications from a road traffic accident he had in 1993. He has been training with Sport Caerphilly accredited running coach Stuart Wadlow since December 2012 in an effort to reach the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. As an elite athlete, he also receives free membership at all Caerphilly council’s leisure centres.

Competing in the PT3 classification of the Triathlon, Mr White has this year won the British Triathlon PT3 championship, winning the gold in Liverpool in August. He has also achieved two silver British championship medals and a bronze World Series medal while swimming 750m, cycling 20km and finishing off with a 5k run.

He has just returned from competing in the ITU International Triathlon Union Grand Final World Championships which were held in Edmonton, Canada and achieved a competitive seventh place.

Prior to that he won the PT3 British Triathlon Championship race, placed fifth at the European Para Triathlon Championships held in Kitzbuel, Austria and achieved a third place bronze medal in London at the ITU World Series event held in Hyde Park.

Mr White said: “I’m excited to see what improvements next year will bring.

“Working with Stuart to improve my running and utilising the fantastic Caerphilly Council swimming facilities have transformed my triathlon performances.

“I’m very grateful to Caerphilly Council for supporting my development as a para-triathlete.”

Councillor Dave Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “Since working with Stuart it seems Russell has gone from strength to strength. He is collecting medals, gaining experience in his discipline which will stand him in good stead for Rio.”