AN INTERNATIONAL shot putter who moved to the Forest of Dean last year, is targeting a return to the top of the sport after several challenging years away.

Gareth Winter is returning to throwing after taking time out due to injury and to care for his father, who sadly passed away in April last year, Winter has returned to competition with renewed determination.

He is now aiming to re-establish himself on the national stage, having already climbed back into the top four of the UK outdoor rankings following his latest performances.

Winter’s personal best stands at 18.07 metres, and his ambitions for the season include breaking both the county and South West records, winning the Welsh title, and securing a medal at the British Championships.

His return marks what he describes as a “last throw of the dice” in his pursuit of international level competition.

However, the cost of competing remains a significant barrier.

Expenses including specialist equipment, travel, competition entry fees, and coaching mean Winter is now seeking sponsorship and financial support to continue his comeback.

He has a fundraising appeal, with all contributions set to go directly towards covering the costs of training and competing.

Winter added that any support would make a huge difference as he looks to balance the financial demands of elite athletics.

Among his past achievements are competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, multiple Welsh titles, and British inter-county and under-23 and under-20 championships, as well as holding South West inter-counties and county records.

Now in the Forest, he hopes to build on that legacy and inspire others locally while chasing one final chapter in his career.

He believes the community can play a key role in helping him achieve those ambitions, and is eager to represent the area on a national stage proudly.