Thomas Setting Sail For Rio

Stephen Thomas has been handed the chance to make up for his London 2012 disappointment after being selected for the Rio Paralympics.

The Ogmore Valley-born sailor will compete in his fourth summer Games after being picked with Sonar team-mates John Robertson and Hannah Stodel.

The trio missed out on a bronze medal at their home Games four years ago after being deducted four points when a team bosun cleaned their keel when inspecting the craft for damage.

The decision saw them slip to fifth overall and they were denied bronze by rivals Norway by three points.

But they have been selected for this summer’s Games having claimed a third world title last year.

Thomas, who lost both legs below the knee after contracting meningococcal septicaemia aged 18, also competed in sledge hockey at the 2006 Games in Turin.

The 39-year-old, who spent much of his life in Bridgend, said: “Representing your country at the Paralympics means the world to us.

“We’ll be working incredibly hard over the next few months to make everyone at home proud.

“Our sport is incredibly competitive and it’s not going to be easy, but going into the competition as reigning World Champions definitely gives us confidence.”