IT’S official – Paratriathlete Andy Lewis is going to Rio.

33-year-old Lewis, from Lydney, has been selected by Team GB to take on the world’s best in Brazil this September, and will compete in the PT2 category alongside world championship bronze medallist Ryan Taylor.

Lewis essentially secured his seat on the plane at the European Championships in Lisbon in May, when he defeated all-comers to win the triathlete title.

He said ’he could cry’ when he was told, having been give the ’news I’ve been waiting for’ several weeks before the official announcement.

“It still hasn’t sunk in but I think I have worked so hard in the last two years,” he said in a Facebook post.

“My family & sponsors have been instrumental in my achievements. My coach Steve Casson in Loughbourgh, John Wood at home and my best mate Rich Hendy have always been there for me. The next few weeks for me are going to be something else.

“I’m absolutely honoured to represent Paralympics GB in Rio,” he added.

“I’ve only been doing triathlon for two years and started quite late, but I’ve put absolutely everything into it and given it my all and the hard work has paid off now I’ve been selected.

“To be there and be part of history as triathlon makes its debut at the Games is just amazing. The sport is growing and growing and hopefully Rio will help encourage more people to get involved in triathlon.

“I would love to bring a medal back to the Forest of Dean and I plan to do that 100 per cent. There is nothing else I want from Rio apart from achieving the greatest thing ever; a gold.

“A massive special shout out to all the staff at British Triathlon, my Mum and Dad (Dave), my wife Bekki, Fieldfisher, Airbus, Pace Rehab, Ottobock, Lucozade, ArcticONE, Yonda and my trainer partners Clare, Joe and Phil.”