A DISABLED powerlifter's ambitions have taken a hammer blow, after being told she cannot qualify for the Paralympics — in contradiction to what she was previously informed.

Jade Farrington, from Launceston, travelled to British Weight Lifting headquarters in Leeds in November for a Paralympic powerlifting assessment as part of a talent search.

She lifted more than her bodyweight and showed the x-ray of her left femur which was replaced with a metal prosthesis following bone cancer aged nine.

Jade discussed her disability and was welcomed onto the scheme with the aim of reaching Rio in 2016, and has been training hard ever since. 

She entered her first International Paralympic Committee (IPC) powerlifting competition in January without problem, but Jade has now been told she cannot be classified for powerlifting after all due to the type of disability she has. Jade would have to pick another sport if she hoped to reach the Paralympics.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.