ZOE Newson admits her success in winning bronze at the Paralympic Games has not yet sunk in.

The powerlifter, who is a member of Colchester-based Suffolk Spartans, returned from Rio with another medal to add to the bronze she won in London, four years ago.

Newson, 24, secured an impressive third place in the women's 45kg and under category and lifted a new personal best of 102kgs.

She told the Daily Gazette: "It's not really sunk in yet but I'm sure it will, once I get back into the old routine.

"I was really happy to get another bronze to add to my CV.

"And I was glad to get my personal best of 102 kilogrammes.

"I've come back with so many great memories that I will keep for the rest of my life.

"Even going to the Closing Ceremony was amazing and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"London in 2012 was special because it was my first one and I knew a bit more about what to expect when I went to Rio.

"This time it was a different experience - I was away for a month and the weather was good!

Newson, who lives in East Bergholt, said there was a great camaraderie among the Great Britain squad that competed at the Paralympics.

"It was great to be a part of the whole Great Britain squad," said Newson, who just missed out on lifting 105kgs at the Games.

"I like to muck about a bit and we all got on well.

"You know when you have to be serious but I also think it's important you have a bit of fun.

"The support that I received from family and friends while I was out there was great.

"It helped me a lot, because I knew how much support I had, back home."

Newson's next major competition is the World Championships, which takes place in Mexico City next year.

And she has not ruled out the prospect of competing at a third Paralympic Games in Tokyo, in four years' time.

Newson added: "I'm looking forward to preparing for the World Championships now and I'll ease myself back into the training.

"I hope Tokyo in 2020 is realistic - you never know.

"It would be great to go there but there'll have to be a lot of hard work done along the way."