ParalympicsGB star David Smith cried tears of joy after he clinched Britain’s 30th gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The 32-year-old retained his individual Paralympic boccia title with a thrilling victory in the decider of the BC1 event.
Smith was trailing Malaysia’s Chew Wei Lun 2-0 after the first of four ends but produced a remarkable comeback to win 4-2.
The Eastleigh-born player secured his fifth Paralympic medal, which saw him surpass Nigel Murray as the sport’s most successful athlete from Britain.
The star was overcome with emotion and sobbed as he received cheers from the British contingent in attendance.
Post-match Smith was thankful to bring home the title despite not producing his best performance.
"I didn't play great, but I got over the line," he said.. "There are a lot of things going on in my head at the moment, becoming the first BC1 to defend a Paralympic title and becoming the most successful British player of all time.”
He added: "You try not to think about it but it does matter, I do care about stuff like that.
"This is such a great sport and I just feel we are getting the recognition we deserve here, that makes me feel a bit emotional."
David was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy aged one, and went to a developmental centre in Winchester for disabled children.
At the age of 14 he became the youngest ever British boccia champion and went on to win a team gold at Beijing 2008, as well as individual silver and team bronze at London 2012, before winning back to back individual titles in 2016 and 2021.
Smith's Paralympic journey is set to continue as he will compete in the team event alongside Will Hipwell and Claire Taggart, starting on Thursday.
