JOSIE Pearson said she could not pass up the opportunity to try a new sport that she hopes will take her to the Rio Paralympic Games next year.

The Cusop star has taken up hand cycling after discus was removed from the paralympic schedule.

Pearson also competed in the club at London 2012, but felt that she was not enjoying throwing anymore.

Prior to London, Pearson represented the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team at the Beijing Games."

"My club was not going as well as I wanted it to and I wasn't really up there in the rankings," said Pearson.

"I don't want to go to Rio for the sake of going, I go out to win.

"British Cycling said there was an opportunity in their hand cycling, so I jumped at the chance.

"It is a massive risk because I haven't given myself hardly any time, but I had to take this opportunity."

Hand cycling involves powering a tricycle-shaped vehicle with the arms, rather than the legs.

There are two coasting rear wheels and steerable powered front wheel and, because they come in different styles, they are suitable for people with various disabilities.

Pearson said that despite the difficulty of getting used to an endurance-based sport, compared to her previous throwing-based ones, she believes that her dedication will help her.

"I've got my commitment and dedication, but it has not been an easy feat," she said.

"But I've got a great relationship with my new coach and British Cycling are extremely professional.

"I've thrown myself into it."

Pearson will forever be remembered for winning gold in the F51/52/53 at the London Paralympics and breaking a world record in the process.

But she was denied the opportunity to defend her title when the International Paralympic Committee altered the schedule for Rio 2016, causing the F51 discus to be removed.

Pearson finished fifth in the club event at London, as well as securing a bronze medal at the World Championships in Lyon a year later. The county star was also second at the European Championships in the T32/51 category last year.

In order to even get the chance to compete in hand cycling at Rio 2016, Pearson needs international classification.

Her opportunity will come at an event in Italy next week.

"I need to get internationally classified and that is the priority," said Pearson.

"I'm not expecting anything at this competition, but after I am classified then I know where I will fit in.

"The ultimate goal is to get to Rio and I have given myself an opportunity to get there.

"I am under no illusions that it is going to be easy and I've got so much work to do between now and selection.

"It takes a lot to get into a sport, but I am fit and strong and I make sure I am resting when I'm not racing.

"Rio could be my last paralympics because I'm not sure if my body could do another one.

"It is getting more intense now and I am doing two sessions a day, six times a week.

"I'm doing all these long distances, but I'm loving it and am embracing the challenge."

If she gets to Rio, Pearson will most likely compete in a time trial, although there is a possibility that a road race could be on the cards.

Because of the shape of hand cycles, no events will take place in the velodrome.

"Hand cycling has been going for a while and was trialled in London," said Pearson.

"It is a growing sport and they are bringing in more events.

"Cycling has always been a very popular sport, but I think this is just as interesting to watch.

"It will be my third paralympics in three different sports and I am not trying to put too much pressure on myself, but as an athlete you want to do well.

"I have loved all the sports I have done and enjoyed them for completely different reasons.

"I miss the guys who I played rugby with and taking part in the throwing events, but I am really enjoying what I'm doing at the moment."