A Paralympic sporting hero is recovering in hospital after having a recurring tumour removed from his spine.
Aviemore gold medallist David Smith, 36, had an operation earlier this week to remove the growth which could have left him paralysed from the neck down.
It’s the second time in four years the rower-turned-cyclist has had the operation.
And he is now hoping to complete the pattern by winning further medals in the 2016 Paralympic Games.
The six-hour operation was carried out in a hospital in Oxford – but not long afterwards David posted a picture online of him smiling from his hospital bed.
He said: “Surgery went well. Tumour removed.
“This was two hours back on ward and except real pain I feel great.”
The athlete had surgery to remove a similar growth in his spinal cord four years ago, and went on to secure victory for Team GB in the mixed coxed fours rowing at the London Paralympic games in 2012.
Mr Smith, who previously represented Great Britain in karate and bobsleigh, has switched sport again and has been training to compete in the cycling events at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
But first he faces a gruelling rehabilitation programme, including relearning how to walk, before returning to full training.
The new tumour was diagnosed during this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where Mr Smith was acting as an ambassador for Team Scotland.
Speaking before the operation, he said: “I’ve been through it all before – so I know I can do it again. Last time I buried my head in the sand but this time I’m fully aware of what the operation will mean and how hard the rehab will be.
“I know there’s a high chance I won’t be able to walk for a week.
“Last time I lost three stone in less than two weeks but I know I can deal with that this time.”
He added: “While I am very realistic about how hard it is going to be, I’m very positive and I’m looking forward to getting back on my bike after it’s done.”