Yule earns perfect lift with GB call-up

The ex-serviceman has been supported into sport by Help for Heroes, who work in partnership with the BPA and UK Sport to provide military athletes with an introduction to Paralympic sport.

Portsmouth resident Yule, a former Staff Sergeant who served with the Royal Engineers, lost both of his legs above the knee when he stepped on an IED in Helmand Province in 2010.

He knew he wouldn’t be able to continue his career in the army and, while recovering, began to focus on his future.

A competitive powerlifter pre-injury, Yule was keen to get back in the gym and he did just that.

Six years on and 46 operations later, he has represented his country on numerous occasions.

His most significant achievement to date was competing at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where he finished fourth.

‘I’ve dedicated myself to this sport and have worked incredibly hard to get to this point,’ said Yule.

‘To be named as a member of the ParalympicsGB team is a great honour, and I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me to reach this point.

‘My coaches, Help for Heroes and my family have been there for me throughout my entire journey.

‘They weren’t jumping on me because I was going to go to Rio, they were supporting me because they wanted to get somebody who had been through a bad time just a bit better.

‘The next few months are absolutely crucial now and I’ll be focusing on ensuring I’m ready to go out there and perform.

‘I’m excited to be competing on the biggest platform for powerlifting and to show people what we can do – I’m sure more world records will fall in Rio.’

Yule is selected alongside current world and European champion Ali Jawad, London 2012 bronze medallist Zoe Newson and Natalie Blake – the most experienced British powerlifter with four Games already under her belt.

Penny Briscoe MBE, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Rio 2016, said: ‘The sheer strength and power of these athletes is incredible, people are always amazed at what our athletes are capable of lifting and I hope that their success in Rio further challenges the way that people view Paralympic sport.

‘I’m really pleased to welcome these athletes on to the team for Rio 2016.’

Tom Whittaker, Paralympic Performance Manager at British Weightlifting, added: ‘I’m incredibly proud of these athletes, a huge amount of work has gone towards earning their selection to ParalympicsGB.

‘There will be no let-up in our preparations and this intensive work will continue until the day the competition begins.’