Great Britain's Melissa Reid has told Sports Mole that she proved everybody wrong by picking up a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Rio this afternoon.
The 25-year-old joined compatriot and silver medallist Alison Patrick on the podium following a thrilling sprint finish that saw her overtake an ailing Elizabeth Baker just metres from the line.
The sport is making its Paralympic debut in Rio, and Reid believes that it will now become a staple event of future Games following its success.
"It was a tough race and came to a sprint finish. I was predicted fourth and didn't want fourth. It just proved everyone wrong. I'm really happy to be still on the podium and I wouldn't have got there without [guide] Nicole [Walters]," she said.
"I think it's been an amazing event. I guess you just have to look forward to Tokyo now. I think after the past two days, everybody performing. I'd like to see it in Tokyo to grow and get more competitors involved."
Guide Nicole Walters helped to spur Reid over the line in sweltering conditions on the Copacabana beach, and she revealed that the team's joy so far at the Games had inspired them to continue the success.
"We've done quite a few races now in warm countries, so you get used to it and you expect it. It's a tough, tough race anyway with or without the heat," Walters added.
"It's incredible. It's been incredible to race with Melissa. We had our first race together in 2013 so I've done the full journey with her, it's been amazing.
"It's always great to see your teammates do well. Andy [Lewis] yesterday had a gold medal, Lauren [Steadman] today with a silver before we started, it's great what the team's achieved out here."
Australia's Katie Kelly claimed gold in the event.
Barney Corkhill
