PARALYMPICS: Gold for Giglia while Lee takes swimming silver

The 31-year-old, who suffered a brain haemorrhage and stroke at the age of 27, only took up cycling three years, but had a stunning win in the C1-3 3,000m, catching American Jamie Whitmore after 1,875m.

Speaking to Channel Four, she said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet. I wouldn’t be here without my team-mates, and my back-up team behind me.

“I didn’t think I would make it to Rio and I thought it was a bit ambitious but I wanted to give it a go.”

Giglia also won two gold medals at the UCI Paracycling Track World Championships in March earlier this year.

The school, writing in their Sandy Spotlight newsletter, said: “We would like to pass on our warmest congratulations to Miss Giglia and wish her all the very best success in the Paralympics.”

Meanwhile, a former Biggleswade Swimming Club member won a silver in the first days of the Paralympics.

Harriet Lee, aged 25, who is also a swimming instructor at the Saxon Pool and Leisure in the town, took the silver in the 100m breaststroke on Friday. Lee bettered her 2012 games performance where she won a bronze in the same event in London.

The swimming club commented: “Well done to ex-BWSC swimmer Harriet Lee, who overnight became a Paralympic Silver Medallist!! Get in girl!!”