There were golden celebrations for county-born para-powerlifter Micky Yule in Mexico City, as the former soldier, who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan, claimed gold at the IPC Powerlifting Americas Open Championships.

Wallyford-born Yule, who now lives south of the Border, claimed the title after a mammoth lift of 177kg.

Although he failed at 183kg, he finished 26kg ahead of his nearest rival, Brazilian competitor Alexsander Whitaker.

Victory will go a long way in securing Yule’s place at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and the county star – who also competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last summer – was keen to thank those who helped him achieve the victory.

Inspirational Micky lost both legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province five years ago, but has been focused on becoming a top-level powerlifter since.

And through the support of Help for Heroes, including a grant to fund his equipment, he has been able to go to the Commonwealth Games and take gold at the Invictus Games in London.

Yule said: “Help for Heroes have supported me from day one. Civvie gyms don’t have the weights I need, or the adapted benches to lift them on, so without the grant from Help for Heroes for the right equipment, I wouldn’t be able to set myself such high targets.

“It’s not just the grant though – Tedworth House has one of the best gyms in the country and coming down for training sessions really boosts morale. Taken simply as a training facility, its world class, but when you add everything else that goes on here into the mix, it becomes something really special.” Martin Colclough, head of sports recovery at Help for Heroes added: “Everyone at Help for Heroes is hugely proud to work with Micky.

“He is full of determination and in just five short years since his injury, Micky has made remarkable progress. We can’t wait to support and follow him on his journey to Rio.”