CUMBRIA'S sole representative at the Paralympic Games has scored a season's best in the shot put.

Anna Nicholson, from Carlisle, came sixth in the women's F35 shot put final, with a throw of 8.03 metres.

The 26-year-old, who works as a Nissan engineer in Sunderland, has cerebral palsy.

Anna said: "I’m really happy with my throwing during the competition - it’s the furthest I’ve thrown all season as it’s been a tough year with training disruptions due to Covid, and my throws were very consistent.

"My main aims for the competition were to throw over eight metres again and enjoy the competition, and I did that.

"It was extremely wet and the circle was slippery, so to come away with a season's best in those conditions I’m extremely happy.

"I’ve definitely got a lot more in me, and looking forward on building on today’s performance over the winter ready for the World Championships next year."

Anna has been throwing shot put for the past 10 years, having started with discus.

As a youngster, she dreamt of being an Olympic swimmer. This changed once she found out that she could compete in the Paralympics.

Speaking before the event, Anna said: "It’s amazing to be competing at the Paralympic Games, representing the country but especially representing Cumbria.

"The whole county has been behind me and I’ve received so many good luck messages.

"I really hope that seeing someone from the region competing at the highest level will make more youngsters believe that their dreams can come true as well."