British-born Jamaican gymnast, Reiss Beckford is aiming to become the first gymnast to represent Jamaica at an Olympic Games.

Earlier this year, Beckford applied to the International Gymnastics Federation for permission to compete for Jamaica, which has now been granted as a result of his dual-nationality.

A three-time European and Commonwealth Games silver medallist for Team GB, 23-year-old Beckford has always dreamed of competing at the Olympic Games.

He was first reserve for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games and, on realising that he would be a likely reserve for Rio 2016, Reiss decided to pursue his Olympic dream through his Jamaican heritage.

Born in Enfield to Jamaican grandparents, Beckford started taking weekly gymnastics classes when he was at school.

After joining South Essex Gymnastics Club, where he continues to train, his potential was quickly spotted and he began to progress up the youth rankings, competing at regional and national levels.

In order to make his Olympic dream possible, Beckford has set himself the task of funding his own way, as he competes around the world to guarantee his position at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Over the next year his main focus will be the Gymnastics World Championships, in Glasgow in October. A good performance there will be key to ensuring he progresses to Rio 2016.

"I am both excited and proud to have the opportunity to compete for Team Jamaica, and to become the country's first Olympic gymnast.," said Beckford.

I'll be working my hardest to achieve my dream of competing in the Olympic Games, as well as creating a bit of history and hopefully inspiring a generation of gymnasts in Jamaica."