Nick Beighton has a medal in mind

The former Army captain from Shrewsbury, who lost both legs serving in Afghanistan in 2009, has been picked for the 2016 Paralympics.

Beighton was put in an induced coma and had more than 20 operations after stepping on an IED. He was a keen skier and climber and returned to sport as part of his convalescence.

Beighton, now 34, set himself the goal of a Paralympic medal at London 2012 in the mixed scull, but he and Sam Scowen finished in that most unenviable of positions – fourth.

Now he's switched to para-canoe and has been named in the Great Britain side for Rio. Beighton said: "It (sport) has been significant.

"It's probably the one constant in my life. It gives you an easy outlet for that energy and that frustration and getting used to your body again.

"You want to go forward and challenge yourself as best you can, take it as far as you can. Sport does that, not only for recreation but the opportunity to compete internationally as well."

London disappointment preyed on his mind: "I went into it with a really firm aspiration to win a medal. He admitted: "So there's a lot of frustration and disappointment.

"It's taken a little bit of time to recognise the achievement, regardless of the result. But, certainly at the time, I was disappointed.

"It's given me a motivation to get going and set that straight. It's all part of that mindset as an athlete, taking possession about what you want to achieve. Having goals and aspirations.

"It's not purely about that. My key for Rio is to enjoy the experience as well as the end result. It's all about savouring the opportunity."

At 34, making the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics is clearly a feasible aspiration for Beighton.

But there are other considerations, not least his commitment to son Jonah, two and a half, and partner Alexis Stones.

He added: "I'm in my 30s; I've got the physical ability to do another Games. But I have to balance my sport with my obligations as a father and to a family."

Whatever the outcome in Rio, Beighton will be prepared when he reaches the start line. He said: "We spend a lot of time looking at how we react to the psychological pressures.

"You suppress those nerves and fears. Nothing should be a surprise. We have a check list – nothing is left to chance."