A woman has won a medal in a male-dominated sport after being selected to represent her country in an international competition.
Faye West is just one of two women competing in wheelchair rugby in the European Championships, and now plays for Team GB alongside Paralympic Champion Kylie Grimes.
They have now played in France and the 15-strong squad won a silver medal after being narrowly beaten by the home team, with a final score of 44-43.
Despite not winning her first tournament, Faye is excited to launch her career in one of the only full-contact disability sports - one that is also open to men and women competing on the same team.
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Speaking before the event, Faye, from Plymouth, Devon, said: "It is a huge honour to be selected for GB, I am super excited to get stuck in and be part of an awesome squad. I can’t wait to start my rugby career at the Europeans - what a competition to have a debut!"
Faye, who plays for West Country Hawks, was the only female high-point player in the tournament, and last year Team GB claimed gold, grabbing the news headlines and making history.
Ed Warner, chair of the team, said: "Our success in Tokyo has deservedly brought more attention to this amazing sport and we are intent on using this increased awareness to further build our profile, introducing wheelchair rugby to more people, supporting the sport nationally at grassroots level and building our communities.
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"Our mission statement is to lead, promote, grow and support wheelchair rugby for the enjoyment of all and I believe our new brand identity positions us as a world-class governing body that is on a mission to set the standard in participation, performance and promotion in disability sport.
"This design concept, created through a collaborative approach in consultation with our players, coaches and clubs, ensures wide-ranging appeal which in itself demonstrates the unique qualities of the sport and the energy that comes from within us all."
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