A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student is aiming for gold at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Leanna Horne competes in shot put and holds the England under 23s record with a distance of 2.68 metres.

The 22-year-old is now beginning a rigorous training regime, with the help of an £800 scholarship from her university, to prepare for the big competition next year.

Horne, a third year drama and performance student, said: “I am training as much as I possibly can — going to the gym and lifting weights at home to build up the strength in my arms.

“It would be amazing to represent my country at the Paralympics.”

She is a member of Cerebral Palsy Sport England and Wales and requires enough points at competitions to make the Great Britain squad. Horne took up shot put at secondary school and won her first gold medal during her maiden competition at a regional event in 2002. In 2004, she was named sports woman of the year by Disability Sport England and npower. After a two-year break between 2007 and 2009 due to illness, Horne has been back training and competing. “Once I have finished my studies this summer, I will be able to concentrate completely on getting ready for the Games,” she added. “This is my one chance to compete at international level on home ground where all my family can come and watch and I really want it. I just hope I can secure my place in the team.”