Yomp ambassador Micky Rio bound this summer

The 2016 Cateran Yomp ambassador, Micky Yule, has secured a place representing Britain in powerlifting at this summer’s Paralympics.

Micky, who was a staff sergeant with the Royal Engineers in Afghanistan in 2010 when he lost both legs in an explosion, has had to work hard over a long period to secure his Paralympics debut.

The qualification period lasted almost two years, starting after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“I knew I had to lift at least another 15kg more than I had ever lifted before, so the pressure was on,” he said.

“It all came down to a big competition in Malaysia and I smashed it on the day.”

Micky impressed by qualifying in two weight groups – the 65kg and 72kg – and British Weightlifting had to decide which category to select him in.

They opted for the 65kg group, meaning he has to lose 6kgs. Between now and September, Micky will be on a strict diet to bring his body fat under 8%, so no treats!

“To be honest, I never expected not to be going to Rio,” he said. “I set that goal from the beginning and I wasn’t going to let myself fail. Everyone is behind me 100%.”

Micky Yule has worked hard to gain selection.