PRIMARY school student Matthew Williams has overcome personal hardship to succeed in sport.

Williams won the British under-ten individual cycle speedway silver medal in Sandwell, Birmingham.

But it was only three months ago that he was a promising competitive swimmer - having to give it up due to a perforated eardrum.

Williams took up cycle speedway instead and began to ride for Southampton Saints. He is presently their youngest club member.

It wasn't all plain sailing at Birmingham. Williams only just qualified for the 16-rider final on a very wet track.

But, once in the final, he proved pretty much unbeatable.