Royston’s Adam Edney struck basketball gold with the Eastern team at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Sheffield.
The 18-year-old, who studies at North Herts College in Stevenage, was the youngest player on the nine-man squad and helped Eastern through to the final against Wales.
And after a tense contest, he was able to collect a gold medal to the delight of mum Helen, who said: “It was so exciting and very emotional as well.”
Edney became interested in basketball four years ago through the Special Olympics movement and plays for the Hertford-based Chiefs club.
The chance to compete at the event – and win – completed a remarkable journey for him as Helen added: “Eastern took two or three coachloads to Sheffield and the event took over the university from Monday to Saturday. They even had an athletes village, with no family members allowed!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here