Cyclist Richard Smith was still celebrating today after arriving back at his Shropshire home following his double medal success triumph at the World Transplant Games in Brisbane, Australia.

Mr Smith, of Kings Loade, Bridgnorth, struck gold when he won the overall time trial for his age group and was pipped by less than a second in the 20km road race forcing him to settle for silver.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said.

More than 1,000 athletes competed in the games and Mr Smith captained the cyclists among the 120-strong UK team. The games were staged to raise awareness of the need for organ donors and to  celebrate their second chance at life.

Mr Smith, a father of two, received a new liver in a transplant 16 years ago at Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham.

He said: “It is always a wonderful feeling and a proud moment to succeed for your country. My friends, family and children are also overjoyed with my success.”

Mr Smith, 42, is a member of Wrekinsport cycling club and competes regularly in events around Shropshire. He said the backing of fellow local cyclists and the success of the British team in the Tour de France and Beijing Olympics had spurred him on.

“You always need inspiration and I certainly received a great deal of support from my fellow club members,” he said. “I was also motivated by the success of Britain’s cyclists at events around the world.”

The games are held annually to raise awareness of the need for organ donors.

Athletes from the UK were selected following their outstanding performances at the recent British Transplant Games in Sheffield where Mr Smith won gold medals in the road race and the time trial events, retaining the British title he has held since 1999.

Before leaving for Australia, he also defended his British title at the Westfield British Transplant Games in Coventry.

Mr Smith said: “The games are a wonderful experience and you are treated just like a proper Olympic athlete. I am proud of my accomplishments as a cyclist and look forward to competing again.”

By Brett Gibbons