Deaflympics 2013

Colette Doran from Carlisle holds the current British deaf record for javelin throwing. She is in Sofia to compete in the 2013 Deaflympics. The Games have been running since 1924 and are attended by deaf athletes from across the world. She spoke to ITV Border before she set off for Bulgaria.

The achievements of athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics are still fresh in our minds, but now it is the turn of our deaf athletes to step into the spotlight.

The 2013 Deaflympics begin this Friday in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The games were first staged in 1924 - they are held every four years and athletes from around the world are taking part - including from our region.

Over the next two nights, ITV News Border will be speaking to some of them, starting with a hammer thrower from west Cumbria who is also Team GB's athletics team captain.

Watch Hannah McNulty's report here:

Bethan Lishman from Brigham in west Cumbria is one of the athletes competing in the 2013 Deaflympics. The 29 year old is in the shape of her life having undergone a gruelling training regime in preparation for the Games.

Bethan is currently the UK's number one hammer thrower and is ranked fourth in the world. She told Hannah McNulty she wants to smash her personal best and would love to bring home a medal. Watch the full report below:

Bethan Lishman who lives in Brigham in west Cumbria is currently number one hammer thrower in the UK and ranked fourth in the world. She's competing in the 2013 Deaflympics which get underway in Sofia on Friday 26th July.

Bethan has undergone a gruelling fitness regime and lost two stone in preparation. She's hoping to smash her personal best of 46.60 and even come home with a medal. For the 2009 Games she took out a bank loan to fund her trip but this year she has had help.