An East Renfrewshire sportsman is setting his sights on golden glory at next year’s World Para Swimming Championships.

Andrew Mullen aims to make a splash at the event in Portugal, having competed at his third Paralympics this summer.

The talented swimmer already has silver and bronze medals from the 2016 Paralympics in Rio – and, although he didn’t manage to make it onto the podium in Tokyo at the latest Games, he is eager to compete on a global stage again next June.

Andrew, 24, told the Barrhead News: “Overall, it was a tremendous experience and a real honour to be part of the Paralympics GB team.

“There was a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among the competitors which made it really special and that’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I was really happy with my efforts in the pool, especially with the backstroke, where I reached the final, given that the build-up was hampered by Covid restrictions.

“I’m only 24, which is too young to hang up my goggles, so I’ll be getting back at it in the pool and then I’ll start looking at next year’s European and World Championships.

“I was happy with my performances at the Paralympics, which have given me a platform to build on. I want swimming to be a substantial part of my life for the foreseeable future.”

Andrew, of Newton Mearns, also thanked housebuilders Mactaggart & Mickel for supporting him through sponsorship over the past five years.

He said: “They stuck with me when times were tough and the Tokyo Paralympics was postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic – and that meant a lot to me and my family.

“Their generosity and encouragement meant I could commit to my sporting processes and, as a competitive swimmer, that’s invaluable.”

After his exertions this summer, Andrew is now taking time out “to decompress” before planning in earnest for the next chapter in his swimming career.

“It’s nice to relax, see friends again and have a bit more freedom after having to play things safe before Tokyo to avoid Covid, which would have ruled me out of the Paralympics,” he said.

“I’m planning to pick up my studies again and return to university after Christmas but I’m also going to sit down with my coach to work out our plans.”