A SWIMMER who nearly died in a coach smash last year has set his sights on Paralympic glory.

Teenager Richard Howard, who suffered horrific injuries in the crash near Salzburg in Austria, is targeting the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008.

Richard, of Walkden Road, Worsley, recently returned from the Disability Sport England National Junior Swimming Championships in Sheffield with three gold medals - in the 50m butterfly, 100m breaststroke and 50m breastroke - as well as a silver and bronze medal and a national record in the 50m butterfly.

The 16-year-old Bolton Wanderers fan said: "It's good to get back to the swimming. At one point, I thought that I couldnt get in the water but I convinced myself to battle through and I feel stronger all the time.

"It's been a difficult six months but slowly and surely Im heading in the right direction. I'm determined to go to Beijing and come back with a medal or even a world record."

Richard, who is studying for his A-levels, was left fighting for his life following the crash last August when the coach he was travelling in rolled down the side of a slope and landed upside down. He was left paralysed down his right side and spent two weeks at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Before the accident, Richard swam for Bolton Metro and Horwich and now he is being spurred on by Olympic bronze medalist Steve Parry who he recently met in Worlsey.

His mum Melanie said: "His first attempt at getting in the water was difficult as he could barely hold his own body weight and couldnt keep his balance.

"But although what happened was horrific, he has been very strong and hopefully the swimming will carry him through."