Suffolk power lifter Zoe Newson will put a couple of tough years behind her when she jets out to Rio for her second Paralympic Games, later this year.

The 24-year-old former East Bergholt High School pupil won a superb bronze medal at London 2012, in the 88kg category.

However, her progress hit a bump in the road as she was barred from competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games – a change in how the sport’s governing body measured legitimate lifts meant Newson, who has dwarfism, was de-classified from her category.

However, after her enforced hiatus from the sport, she was allowed to return again after the rules were changed once more and her comeback was a successful one, Newson winning silver in the European competition at the IPC 2015 European Championships in Hungary, and bronze in the Open.

“There have been ups and down since London and when I was unable to compete I was devastated,” said Newson, who will now compete in the new 45kg category in Brazil.

“Now I am back I just want to try my best and hopefully be in contention for a medal.”

Newson has nothing to prove, given her success in London and, four years on, competing in South America, the pressure should be off her somewhat.

“London was my first, big major championships and, competing in my home country, I did not want to let people down,” she explained.

“Going to Brazil for the first time will be exciting for me and my main aim will be to just do my best on the day.”