Gymnast Thomas is on top of the world

But 10 years on the talented 19-year-old is celebrating a stunning six-medal haul at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Keeley, who has Asperger's Syndrome, represented Great Britain at the global event claiming three bronzes, two golds and an overall silver.

His delighted mother Rebecca said: "Thomas had major surgery when he was seven years old to straighten his legs, having been born with his feet turned in.

"It takes a long time to rehabilitate from an operation like that and one day one of his teachers at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School recommended gymnastics as a way of strengthening his legs.

"She had a daughter who was doing it and she knew that there was a gymnastics club for people with special needs nearby."

Keeley went to a training session at Worcestershire Special Olympics which was part of Wyre Forest Gymnastics Club and immediately took a shine to the sport.

His natural talent soon began to shine through and he was then asked if he would like to start pitting his skills against others in competitions.

Rebecca said: "He took to it very easily and he had been going for about a year just learning the ins and outs of all the different aspects when one of the coaches mentioned that they had a competition coming in six months.

"They asked if he would like to go and he said yes – and he's just carried on from there."

Keeley began making waves on a national level when he took part in the Special Olympics National Games, which are held every four years.

The games help identify talented athletes to represent Great Britain at the World Games, and a medal-winning performance by Keeley in Bath in 2013 played a major role in his selection for Los Angeles 2015.

The initial 'punch-the-air-moment' when his selection was confirmed 18 months ago was followed by a gruelling training regime which saw Keeley putting in up to three days a week of graft in preparation for the big event.

His family also had to raise a significant portion of the £2,500 cost of participation but Keeley made it to America and was accompanied by his mother, father Andrew and younger brother Ben, aged 10.

The Special Olympics gymnastics competition is divided into five different ability groups, and Keeley took to the mats and apparatus in the level one event. He then soared to gold in the floor and pommel horse, bronze in the parallel bars, high bar and rings, and an all-round silver medal.

His superb performances also earned him a fifth place finish in the vault.

Rebecca said: "If he had won just one medal it would have been great, but to win so many was absolutely astounding. It was definitely the pinnacle of his gymnastics career so far. We are really proud."

Keely added: "I was a bit nervous about competing at such a big event but mostly excited, and I was very proud to win medals."

Keeley, a former Lacon Childe Secondary School pupil who now goes to college at Kidderminster Academy, is currently enjoying a brief rest after his latest exertions.

But he will return to training next month, and plans to move up to the level two category for the next National Games which take place in two years' time.

He is also keen to coach the next generation of youngsters at Worcestershire Special Olympics.

Rebecca added: "Gymnastics has done Thomas's confidence and social skills the world of good which is what he really struggled with." Now he has world honours to show for it as well.