Olympian overcame injury to win historic bronze

Harry Hepworth made history by winning a bronze medal

Gymnastics star Harry Hepworth has revealed he overcame injury to win a historic bronze medal for Team GB in the vault.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Harrogate, became the first British man to win an Olympic vault medal in Sunday's final - just seven weeks after returning to training.

Back pain caused by Perthes disease - a condition affecting the hip joint which Hepworth was diagnosed with aged five - left him unable to practice, his dad said.

Hepworth told the BBC his first aim was "to make it across the start line" after the injury and said winning a medal "still doesn't feel real at all".

The Leeds Gymnastics Club member was unable to practice on either the vault or the rings while injured, but still managed to qualify for the final of both events.

He became the first Briton to reach an Olympic rings final, while he and compatriot Jake Jarman also became the first Brits to reach an Olympic vault final, with Jarman finishing fourth.

Hepworth, who took up gymnastics aged eight, said winning a bronze medal had been "crazy" and "absolutely mind-blowing".

He revealed he also suffered an injury scare during the warm-up when he hurt his ankle.

Hepworth said the injury setback had been "really tough".

"I'm glad I just stuck to what the physios said and I came out of the other side with a medal."

Andrew Hepworth said his son's achievement was "beyond belief"

Speaking to the BBC after his son's triumph, Hepworth's dad Andrew said his son's condition, which left him with one leg four centimetres shorter than the other, still occasionally causes him pain.

"Hey presto, he's just straight back in," Mr Hepworth said.

He added: "That makes it just that extra bit remarkable, seeing his whole journey - everything he's been through from a young lad until now.

"It's beyond belief. I'm so, so happy for him."

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