Cavan's Britney going for Gold

Britney will take to the arena in the 73kg lifting category, which kicks off at 4am GMT.

Cavan Powerlifter Britney Arendse will later represent Ireland at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games in just several hours time.

Britney, who is making her debut representing her country at the highest stage, will take to the arena in the 73kg lifting category, which kicks off at 1pm (Japan), or 4am GMT.

The 21-year-old from Mullagh had the honour of being flagbearer for the opening of the Games with fellow first-time paralympian, high-jumper Jordan Lee.

A total of 4,521 athletes are set to compete at the Tokyo Games, and in Powerlifting, Britney is considered among the favourites after smashing her own Junior World Record with a lift of 100kg in 2019.

The venue Britney will compete is the same used in the weightlifting competition at this year’s Olympic Games.

The sport has been part of the Paralympics programme since 1984 and will see 20 medal events taking place in the Tokyo International Forum.