Truro-born para athlete Fabio Zamparelli is feeling on top of the world.

The 20-year-old recently made his international shot put and discus throwing debut with Team GB at the European Championships in Sweden.

He won a silver medal in the discus competition, achieving a personal best throw, and came fourth in the shot put.

These results have propelled Mr Zamparelli to the number one spot in the Under 23 category for discus and third in the senior category.

His achievements have earned him a place on the UK Athletics Futures Paralympic Programme 2023-2025.

He was also awarded a 2024 achievement award from GLL’s Sports Foundation.

Mr Zamparelli is understandably proud of his first senior GB event: "I was competing against the best in the world, and they were seven to ten years older than me.

"It was a great experience."

The athlete has an intellectual impairment which made him a target for school bullies.

Sport proved his salvation, giving him an opportunity to integrate.

He played rugby but it wasn't until he turned 15 that he discovered athletics: "I wanted something to do during the rugby off season.

"First, I tried sprinting, hurdles and high jump, but as soon as I tried the shot put and discus, I was hooked."

Mr Zamparelli is now on a tailored training routine as part of the Paralympic Development Academy and the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme.

He said: "Since the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games I have had only one dream, and that is to represent Team GB at the Paralympics.

"I am working towards being European champion, world champion and Paralympic champion.

"I will not give up!"

He is one of 116 athletes in Cornwall to benefit from 2024 GSF awards worth nearly £70,000 in total.

James Curry, GLL’s head of service in Cornwall, said: "It’s a real privilege to be able to help Fabio achieve both his potential and his dreams.

"Success in sport requires not only talent, but dedication, expert coaching and support.

"Our sport foundation is the largest independent programme of its kind in the UK and, this year alone, 2256 athletes have benefitted from the financial bursaries, training, access memberships and physiotherapy GLL provides.

"Fabio’s story is inspiring, and I heartily congratulate him on everything he’s achieved and continues to achieve.

"The GLL team are with him – every step of the way."

Visit www.gsfsportfoundation.org for more information.