GB Olympic Champion Josie Pearson is now part of the GB cycling team after switching from Athletics to hand cycling ahead of the Olympics in Rio next year.
Pearson who won Gold in the F51 discus and broke the world record three times at London 2012 decided to switch events as the discus is no longer part of the Olympic programme for Rio and the world champion wanted to find a new challenge.
Josie Pearson MBE and World Champion said:
“I'm extremely excited that I've been accepted into the British cycling team after losing my discus event in the Rio Paralympic programme. I'm really enjoying the training and am more than ready to face the challenges that lie ahead in my bid to get to Rio 2016.”
If the Pearson is part of the GB Para-cycling team for Rio she will be the first female athlete to go to three consecutive Paralympics in three different sports. First being Wheelchair Rugby in Beijing 2008, Athletics at London 2012 and now hand cycling.
The Gold Medalist has been accepted onto the British Cycling Para-cycling Podium Programme and has already been training hard during the winter season to achieve the necessary times.
Jon Norfolk, head coach for the Great Britain Para-cycling Team said: "We're delighted to welcome Josie onto the British Cycling Para-cycling Podium Programme. As a Paralympic and world champion in athletics, Josie already possess the attributes it takes to be a world-class athlete and we're looking forward to working with her to help her continue her successful sporting career as we head towards Rio."
