An athlete from Wimbledon has 'made his club proud' after being the first member to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships.

Dwayne Cowan, from Hercules Wimbledon Athletic Club, won the bronze medal at the London Stadium in Stratford on Sunday, August 13.

The 32-year-old only took up athletics five years ago, but is now a medallist in the men's 4x400 metre relay. He is a former professional footballer whose career ended following an injury.

Cowan was the fastest member of the team, completing his leg in 44.2 seconds, with the overall team of four completing their circuit in just under three minutes.

He said: "“Some people might say it doesn’t get any better than competing at a World Champs and winning a medal in front of your home crowd but I’ve got more I want to do.

“Hopefully I’ve got three more years in me and we can do all this again at the Tokyo Olympics, maybe do even better.”

He was joined in the relay by Matthew Hudson Smith, Rabih Yousif and Martyn Rooney.

Hercules Wimbledon chairman, David Clarke, said: “We’re obviously delighted for Dwayne that he was able to perform at his best in the World Championships and get a medal.

"People also need to be aware that, unlike most of the British team in action at the World Championships, Dwayne receives no funding from British Athletics and my club has been supporting him financially to enable him to compete in meetings around the world to qualify for the GB team.”

“Cowan has fully justified the support Hercules Wimbledon has given him and as I see it, his performances at the World Championships was a good return for the investment we made. Well done Dwayne you made your club proud.”

Television pundit Michael Johnson, a former winner of the World 200 and 400m titles, commented: “I’m impressed with Dwayne Cowan.” His fellow commentator, Steve Cram, a former World 1500m champion, also praised the Hercules Wimbledon runner’s performances during the 10-day championships.