A SWIMMER who trains in Barrhead and Neilston won silver at the Paralympic Games.

Abby Kane, 13, was the youngest Team GB member in Rio, however, that did not stop her from claiming second place in the women's backstroke S13.

The teenager, who trains at Barrhead Foundry and Neilston Leisure Centre as often as eight times a week, has now been rewarded for all of her hard work and dedication to the sport.

Though she suffers from deteriorated vision as a result of Stargardt Disease, Abby demonstrates a natural ability in the pool and the silver medal she collected on September 17 is a shining example of her talent.

The precocious Largs Academy pupil recorded a personal record of 1:09:30 – two seconds quicker than she had ever previously posted in the event.

Her coach Sharon McIntyre was thrilled with Abby's overall performance, as well as the maturity she displayed on a global stage.

She said: "I'm very proud, she's done what I asked her to do. She's achieved one of my goals as a coach to have somebody at the Paralympics.

"I don't think it has hit us both yet how good it's all been and what an achievement it's been at such a young age – it's still a bit surreal.

"We have to remember she is a 13-year-old girl. At such an early age, you want her to enjoy the whole atmosphere and soak up what's happening.

"She was just told that she was to go and just enjoy the whole experience and soak it all up.

"Before we left, the committee and the club bought a flag and got all the coaches to sign it.

"It was all about just having fun – the medal was an extra."

Abby's achievement is now an being used as an inspiration for her fellow Ren 96 swimmers who train with her in Barrhead and Neilston.

After moving swim clubs from North Ayrshire to East Renfrewshire in March, Abby has grown accustomed to early starts and late-night training sessions.

It is that work ethic and desire to improve that coach Sharon believes merits the Largs teenager's Paralympic glory.

Sharon said: "Abby's done really well and everybody's been fantastic. They've let her join in and she's met a whole load of new friends.

"It makes you humble to see their achievements for how hard they work.

"The next main event for Abby will be for Scotland down south in December. She goes with the Scottish disability squad down to England and they'll swim against the other British teams.

"It's will be a team event, working with other swimmers. It will be good for her because it will be a bit more fun."

Great Britain finished second in the overall medal table at the 2016 Paralympics.

The squad closed the Games with 64 gold medals, the most won by a British team in 28 years.

Team GB surpassed their London 2012 tally of 120 on day nine by finishing with 147, second only behind China.