KRYSTEN Coombs put together an excellent tournament to earn a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Having won bronze three years ago in Tokyo, the Totnes resident went one step further this time around.

Coombs had to battle against a cacophony of noise in the gold medal match with his opponent, Charles Noakes, playing in front of a home French crowd.

Noakes didn’t lead in the first game until 13-12 but went on to win it 21-19, a stunning shot sealing it on the third game point.

Coombs was then outfoxed in the second game, trailing 11-3 at the break and losing 21-13, even after staging a mini comeback.

The Frenchman saw off Coombs’ compatriot Jack Shephard on his way to the gold medal match and was able to go all the way on home soil.

For Krysten meanwhile, a smile was never far away from his face and the silver medal is thoroughly deserved for our local hero.

Speaking to ParalympicsGB Media, the 33-year-old had this to say: “We [him and Noakes] are good friends on and off court, we try and socialise as much as we can. That’s what I love about para-badminton, there are so many friendships. To share this moment with him was just incredible.”

The beauty of these Games is that it isn’t just a case of winning or losing- even coming up short in the gold medal match seals the incredible achievement of a silver.

Krysten continued, “It was amazing. It obviously wasn’t the result I’d have wanted but to be out there with that crowd was incredible.

“We don’t have that in other para-badminton tournaments so to be able to experience that was amazing. Near the end, I had to take it all in.

“It’s the dream. The hard work, the dedication, the years of sacrifices, not being able to do things with friends and family – to have them here tops it off.”

The hard work has certainly paid off for Krysten once again.