PARALYMPIC debutant Kieran Flynn admits wheelchair rugby helped bring him back from the brink of a breakdown following depression after breaking his neck.

The 32-year-old’s world was turned upside down by a severe spinal injury sustained being dropped on his head during a tip tackle while playing rugby union aged 21.

Sport enthusiast Flynn, who grew up with dreams of being a professional footballer for his beloved Liverpool and was also a keen golfer, was told he would never walk again.

He was originally reluctant to return to physical competition but, following “dark periods” adapting to his new circumstances, he is now preparing to help Great Britain defend their Paralympic title at Paris 2024.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without wheelchair rugby,” Flynn said, having been named in GB’s 12-man squad for the Games. “It’s become a central part of my life.

“Sport has been the key factor in coming out of those dark periods.

“I remember those frustrations really coming to a front at home where I almost had a breakdown.

“You do lose your independence but things do get easier and do get better.

“Following my injury, I ballooned up to 21 stone because I was eating and drinking all the wrong things and, I guess, looking back, probably in a time of depression.

“Getting into sport, I lost over 10 stone and the benefits physically and mentally have been massive.”

Flynn has been selected alongside Tokyo gold medallists Gavin Walker, Stuart Robinson, Jonathan Coggan, Nick Cummins, Aaron Phipps, Jack Smith and Jamie Stead, plus fellow Games newcomers Dan Kellett, Ollie Mangion, Tyler Walker and David Ross.