Lothersdale archer Danielle Brown is hoping to overturn the heartbreaking decision which prevents her from bidding for a third Paralympic gold medal in Rio in 2016.

A recent reclassification at the World Para Championships in Bangkok, where she won two silver medals, ruled her out of future para archery events.

In a statement issued via Archery GB, Brown spoke about the decision for the first time.

The talented 25-year-old, who was made an MBE for her archery achievements, said: “I am bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the reclassification which means I am no longer classified as a para athlete. My disability affects my life in every way and archery is the one thing that has kept me going.

“It is extremely difficult to hear that the classifiers believe my disability doesn’t impact my sport as it impacts every part of my life, including archery.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends and family for their ongoing support, it means a great deal.

“I would also like to thank the general public who have been extremely supportive since the reclassification was announced. I have been overwhelmed by the messages which I have received.

“Archery GB has also been very supportive and is 100 per cent in support of my decision to protest the decision.

“We are in the process of arranging for a reclassification to take place at Archery GB Performance Centre at Lilleshall in the near future.”

Sara Symington, Performance Director at Archery GB explained: “We were extremely saddened when Danielle Brown was not classified under the new criteria, however, we are in complete support of the protest and will be supporting her every step of the way.”

The classification of the archers is considered an important part of para archery.

Different forms of disability can affect people differently therefore archers need to undergo a set of specific tests, the outcomes of which then decide which class they can compete in.