A FORMER Kelly College student is now a Paralympic medallist after winning a silver medal in the women’s PT4 triathlon.

Lauren Steadman, 23, was favourite to win gold at the Rio Paralympics but narrowly missed out on the top prize to the USA’s Grace Norman.

Having initially led the swim, the first discipline of the event, Lauren took a wrong turn which ended up costing her around 45 seconds.

A strong cycle kept Lauren in contention for gold, but those lost seconds proved crucial later in the race when the American chased her down in the run, the last of the three disciplines.

The former Kelly College (now called Mount Kelly) student — from 2007 to 2011 — was born missing her lower right arm. She took to the world stage on Sunday, September 11 to compete in the triathlon which consisted of a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Lauren’s passion for swimming started at just four years of age and she went on to represent Team GB just 11 years later in her first Paralympic games as a swimmer.

Since then she has specialised in paratriathlon after she was encouraged to switch by her uncle who saw her potential to achieve in all three sports.

Lauren entered her first paratriathlon at the British Championships in 2011, finishing second.

In her time away from being a world class athlete, Lauren is studying for her Masters in Business after gaining a degree in psychology.

Director of swimming and performance at Mount Kelly Robin Brew said: ‘We are so proud of Lauren Steadman on her silver medal success at the Rio Paralympic Games. When she attended school here in Tavistock and swam for the squad she was a hard-working and determined young lady.

‘That determination and commitment to training has resulted in a fantastic podium achievement this summer. We wish Lauren all the best for Tokyo 2020!’

This week former Kelleians representing Team GB in para swimming are: Claire Cashmore, Hannah Russell, and Mikey (Michael) Jones.?Former student Ellen Kean will swim for Ireland.