A SWIMMER is hoping to make a splash at the Tokyo Paralympics later this summer.

Andrew Mullen, 24, will represent Great Britain in the Paralympian team at the worldwide event, which will run from August 24 until September 5.

He will finally make the trip across the globe after the event was rescheduled due to the coronavirus.

The swimmer is now hoping that Covid-19 doesn't dampen his chances of reaching the podium in Japan.

Andrew, from Newton Mearns, said: “I’ve been working towards Tokyo for years and I can’t let my efforts go to waste by being ordered to stay home because I get a positive Covid test.

Glasgow Times:

“I can’t gamble so I’ve got to be really sensible, limit exposure to other people and cut out unnecessary interaction because the Japanese authorities are quite rightly strict on the Covid front.

“I’ve got to err on the side of caution because it’s an invisible enemy – just look at what happened to Billy Gilmour who tested positive for Covid-19 after the England game.

“There’s been talk that if someone has a positive Covid test that they simply won’t be able to travel even if they isolate afterwards and provide negative tests. That puts things into perspective.”

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Despite Covid caution, Andrew is looking forward to finally being able to compete against the world's best athletes.

The Tokyo event will be his third Paralympics, having made his debut at the age of 15 in London in 2012.

The talented swimmer also appeared at the Rio 2016 event, winning one silver and two bronze medals in the process.

Andrew says that he was relieved to hear that the Tokyo Paralympics got the thumbs up to go ahead this year after the Covid pandemic forced it to be postponed last summer.

He said: "It might be my third Paralympics, but I honestly couldn’t be more excited about Tokyo.

“I’ve got great memories of London and Rio, but it still feels like an honour to be representing Great Britain in the Paralympics.

“The atmosphere might not be as magical as it was in London or Rio because of Covid-19, but Tokyo won’t be any less special.

“You’re competing on sport’s greatest stage and so I’ll definitely be right up for it. The Paralympics will be very exciting but I’m very process-driven, I stick to my race plans and aim to perform to the best of my ability.”

Andrew has been supported on his road to Tokyo with a continuing sponsorship from construction firm Mactaggart & Mickel.

He said: “The sponsorship has enabled me to dedicate my time towards preparing for the Paralympics.

“I’ve worked really hard for the last 18 months through all the challenges that Covid has sent our way to get on the team and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my friends and family, coaches, colleagues and Mactaggart & Mickel."