SPORTS mad Leo McCrea has run, swum and thrown to success at the national Dwarf Sports Association Games.

The energetic nine-year-old scooped an impressive medal haul of seven gold medals and a bronze at the Birmingham event.

Leo competed alongside hundreds of other youngsters at the games, which marked their 20th anniversary this year.

Special guest and Paralympic swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds presented Leo with his medals.

The youngster, from Broadstone, Poole, has now amassed an impressive collection of medals and sporting honours. After his latest triumphs in the West Midlands earlier this month, he told the Daily Echo he was “really proud” of his achievement.

Leo won gold for a range of swimming, throwing and running disciplines, and was awarded a team bronze in the football competition.

Proud mum Corinne said: “The point of doing all these sports is for him to gain confidence and self-esteem so he can be happy within himself.”

Leo, who has been honing his skills alongside able-bodied children at Broadstone Football Club and Poole Swimming Club is already looking forward to competing at the Birmingham games next year.

“The FA has allowed Leo to play with other children at Broadstone Football Club which has been a great support,” said Corinne. “He also swims three times a week at Poole Swimming Club. He’s even managed to take part in the southern junior league for the club.”

Corinne, who took her family to see the Paralympic swimming events in London last summer, said: “To see that anyone is able to achieve at that level will have been an inspiration.”

Another famous face appearing at the dwarf games was An Idiot Abroad star Warwick Davis. Corinne explained: “His children usually compete during the national games. He came along to the weekend and was just chatting, really casually, to other parents and competitors.”

Corinne is also organising a special charity event in the coming days, which has been supported by a host of local businesses, to raise money for the Dwarf Sports Association.