HAVING narrowly missed out on a place in Rio this summer, Meggan Dawson-Farrell says she is more determined than ever to realise her Olympic dream.

The Tullibody athlete admits it will be hard to watch the Paralympic Games next month, but has vowed to secure her place on the plane to Tokyo in 2020.

The 23-year-old will also, no doubt, be buoyed by the success her fellow British athletes, including Alloa’s Duncan Scott, have enjoyed at the Olympic games these last few weeks.

Meggan told the Advertiser: “I’ve really enjoyed the Olympics; Team GB have done amazing. I found myself watching things that I never imagined watching like mountain biking and Taekwondo.

“I can also appreciate how much time and effort it takes, putting everything in for four years for this one event. It’s hard going but completely worth it in the end.

“I also remember the athletes who have also put in the work the last few years but weren’t selected due to either not enough spots on the team or injury. it’s hard for them but only makes them stronger for the next one.”

She added: “I myself was sadly one of those people who haven’t been selected for Rio; I set standards that were asked of me, yet I haven’t been selected.

“At first I was upset, as anyone would be. I still am, but I’m now moving on and trying to move forward with everything.

“But it makes me more determined to prove them wrong and work hard for the next one.”

Two years ago, Meggan competed in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow for Team Scotland coming 7th in the T54 1500m wheelchair racing event.

She has also won gold in the 1500m of the Junior World Championships and, more recently, became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Dubai marathon. She also remains a Scottish record holder in a variety events.

In the New Year, Meggan will launch her bid to get to the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018 and the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

And though she has a strong support network in Clacks, there is a greater need for more local business to help fund her efforts.

She said: “Financially, there hasn’t been any major supporters [locally] but I do have a good family and friend network that help support me.

“My two main sponsors are based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, being Vento-Ludens and Nordan. But going forward to Commonwealth in 2018, I’ve been lucky enough to be given the sponsorship from a company called CGI who are one of the main sponsors for commonwealths in 2018.

“I do get a little support from local businesses when I hold events they provide little raffle prizes for us, but I am always looking for new help in any way possible. Whether it’s fruit and veg, meat or even milk, every little helps with living costs, which between food, travel, competition fees and equipment is usually between £25-30k a year.”

Meggan added: “I have no more competitions this year so my next event is in January to do a marathon where I hope to set my first qualifying time for Commonwealth Games.

“After not being selected for Rio, I’m on a mission now. I’m very confident that I’ll get the times for commonwealths.”

In the meantime, she will joins the millions of people in Britain giving their backing to the Team GB as the Paralympic Games begin on September 7.

She said: “As much as I’m gutted to not be there myself, a few of my friends are so I’ll be cheering them on for sure.”

Anyone wishing to help Meggan, can get in touch on 07776344797.