When Claire Ryan took up running two years ago she had no idea she would become one of the best in the world.

Now the 19-year-old, who has learning difficulties and epilepsy, is ranked seventh in the world after competing in the world disabled championships.

Claire, of Villa Mount, Wyke, is Britain's top disabled 800m runner and has just returned from the International Paralympic Committee World Games in Birmingham, where she competed in that event and 3,000m.

Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, she was delighted to be in the top seven.

As a former pupil of Haycliffe Special School in Little Horton, Claire excelled in sports.

"One day I just came home and was jangling all these medals and my mum said 'where did you get all those from?'," she laughed.

Claire was spotted by a scout after competing in several events at the Hull Mini Olympics. Then her career literally hit the ground running - she has amassed several trophies and 35 gold, silver and bronze medals.

"I am really happy and my family is so proud for me," she said.

Dad Geoff, mum Jeanette and sister Kelly said they were thrilled by her success.

"She does have a learning disability and is an epileptic. But she has excelled in a way that we did not think was possible," said Mrs Ryan.

Claire trains three times a week for Halifax Harriers.

One of the coaches, Christine Galloway, said she was very proud of her achievements.

"She has a very good chance of reaching the Paralympics, which is the Olympics for people with disabilities, in Sydney in the year 2000 as do several of our athletes," she said.

Diane Freeman, of Hycliffe School, said: "Claire has only been training seriously since March and is sure this time next year she will smash her current personal best of two minutes 40 seconds."

She added: "Two years ago we took nine of our children to the Hull Mini Olympics - five of them are now in the British squad. We do have a good record at the school in producing good athletes."

Claire's success was matched by two other Bradford sportsmen.

Sprinter Thomas Pulton-White just missed out on a bronze medal in the 100m, while highjumper Terry Dean was fifth.

Sixty teams from across the globe took part in the games.

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