NIKI Birrell will compete at a third successive Paralympics after his selection for Great Britain’s team in Rio this summer.

The Knutsford-born sailor, who made his debut in Beijing in 2008, will again go for gold with crewmate Alexandra Rickham in the SKUD 18 class.

They won bronze together in London four years go.

“We’ve not rested on our laurels since then,” said Birrell.

“We’ve been working really hard to make sure our place in the boat was beyond any doubt.

“I’m proud to be part of the team, and I’m ready to face the competition in Brazil – I can’t wait to start racing there.”

Bournemouth-based Birrell and Rickham, two of the most experienced members of ParalympicsGB, celebrate their inclusion as five-time world champions.

They were also runners-up in the SKUD 18 category at last year’s Para-Sailing World Championships.

“The selection of such a strong, talented and experienced group of athletes sends a powerful message to other Paralympic sailing nations,” said Penny Briscoe MBE, ParalympicsGB chef de mission.

“They have really proved themselves throughout the selection process and will be looking to maintain their good form in Rio, where we hope to compete for medals.”

Sailing has been removed from the programme for Tokyo in 2020, so this may be a final opportunity for Birrell, now 29, to perform at the highest level.

“Niki has been to the Games a number of times, and we’ll be working all out [with him and Alex] to ensure they fulfil their medal potential.”