SOUTHEND’S Robin Womack begins his quest for glory at the European Championships today knowing he must perform well to keep alive his dream of reaching the Rio Paralympics.

Womack memorably won a bronze medal in the shot put at the London 2012 Paralympics.

And he is now desperate to secure another top three finish in Swansea to stay on track for Brazil.

“The Europeans are the main championships for us this summer and our funding depends on us doing well in them,” said Womack, who competes in the discus today.

“The shot put is my main event and the one I really need to medal in because I need to stay on funding if I’m carry to carry on until Rio.

“But I’ve really improved in the discus this season and it would be great to surprise a few people in that as well.”

Womack, 43, will be gunning for glory in the shot put on Saturday.

And his chances of success have been boosted by teaming up with LSJ Engineering in Great Wakering.

They have supplied Womack with a new throwing frame and he hopes that can help him see off Europe’s best throwers.

“The frame is great and I’m incredibly grateful to LSJ and all the support they’ve given me,” said Womack.

“It’s been a huge help to me and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done.

“Hopefully I will be able to bring back at least one medal to show them.

“I’m really looking forward to throwing as well because my family are coming to watch.

“That always makes it extra special and I’m fired up to get out there and win the gold now.”

Womack will also be competing in the IPC Grand Prix final in Birmingham on Sunday.