Representing team GB in the Paralympics is a dream come true for former Totnes student, Krysten Coombs.

Ranked number five in the world in para-badminton, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career winning a European gold medal in 2016 followed by a world silver a year later.

The former King Edward VI Community College pupil is now looking forward to showcasing his credentials on the Paralympic stage in Tokyo.

“Finally my dream has become a reality,” said Krysten.

“It’s been such a long journey.

“Thinking back to my first para-badminton tournament in 2007, not knowing what to expect, I’d never have guessed I’d end up here.

“Fourteen years later, I’m thrilled to be representing Paralympics GB at the Paralympic Games.”

Badminton is the world’s fastest racket sport and this year makes its Paralympic debut in the Japanese capital.

Krysten is one of four team GB para-badminton representatives at the games, alongside Jack Shephard and Dan Bethell, who were selected in late June, and Martin Rooke who was added with Krysten last month.

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission, Penny Briscoe, said: “I’m delighted that Krysten and Martin have both been successful in securing bipartite slots for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“Their inclusion in the ParalympicsGB team is richly deserved and testament to all the hard work they have invested in the sport.

“Para badminton makes its debut in Tokyo and I’m so pleased that Krysten and Martin now have the opportunity to share in this exciting moment in Paralympic history.”

As well as his sporting career Krysten, who is competing in the SH6 Class, is also an actor and in 2014 appeared in an episode of Game of Thrones – The Purple Wedding.

“There’s actually a lot of parallels between acting and playing sport that have helped me in my career,” he said.

“Little things like waiting around to perform is the same in sport, and then you go out there and there are lots of people watching you and you have to make sure that you get it right in that moment.”

After thanking his family, friends, team mates, Para Badminton GB staff and the Dwarf Sports Association UK, Krysten said: “Now to begin the countdown and bring on the games!”