A Chester woman has set her sights on a Paralympic appearance in the future after becoming a European champion.

Lizzie Tench, from Farndon, secured gold for Team GB at the ETU European Paratriathlon Championships in Portugal last week, winning in the PT1 class.

The reigning British paratriathlon and British paraduathlon champion in her class, Tench’s gold medal followed on from her bronze medal performance at the World Championships last year and has given her the impetus to challenge for a spot for Great Britain at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Lizzie Tench of Farndon won gold at the ETU European Paratriathlon Championships in Portugal
Lizzie Tench of Farndon won gold at the ETU European Paratriathlon Championships in Portugal

“This year, I am aiming to defend my British title in the paratriathlon and get on the podium again at the World Champs,” said Tench, who was paralysed from the waist down in 2012 after she was hit by a car while out cycling.

“In 2018, I want to compete for GB in the Commonwealth Games and at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.”

Tench, a full-time wheelchair user, also competed at the World Paracanoe Championships last month, finishing fifth and last year became British champion in the VL2 category.

Tench, who volunteers for the Back Up Trust as a wheelchair skills trainer, is appealing for sponsorship to help her in her quest for Paralympic glory.

Anyone wishing to get in touch and pledge their support can email lizzietench@gmail.com.