Scott is UK’s first Nordic skier at Paralympics for 20 years

A SCOTS war hero has been picked for the British Paralympic Winter Games team.

Former paratrooper Scott Meenagh – who lost both his legs in an Afghan bomb blast – will be the first UK athlete to take part in the Para Nordic skiing event in almost 20 years.

On his Games debut at Pyeongchang, Scott will represent ParalympicsGB in both cross country skiing and biathlon.

Scott was just 21 and serving with the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, in Afghanistan when he lost both his legs above the knee after he stood on an boobytrap bomb.

He was encouraged to try Para Nordic skiing after getting a taste for the sport at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics.

Scott, from Cumbernauld previously competed in Para rowing at international level but made the switch to Nordic Skiing in 2016.

He said: “It’s an incredible feeling to know my name is on the team sheet and that I’m set to achieve my goal of representing Great Britain at a Paralympic Games.

“I can’t wait to get out to South Korea to compete and I’m determined to give my very best performance.

“I’ve fallen in love with this sport and I hope to encourage others to follow me so we can develop Para Nordic skiing further.”

He added: “I narrowly missed out on the Rio Paralympics with GB Rowing so I know what it’s like to work really hard for a few years and miss out on that ultimate goal.

“I made a deal with myself I didn’t want to feel like that again.”

Jayne Kavanagh, performance pathway manager at Help for Heroes, said: “We are all incredibly proud of what Scott has accomplished.

“Sport has given him a second chance at life post-injury and through support offered through Help for Heroes and his own determination, he’s regained his purpose. He is an inspiration to others who have suffered a life-changing injury or illness.” ● The Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games take place from March

9 to 18.