A TEENAGE boxer who has defied all the odds after he was born with a heart condition and diagnosed with autism is continuing to speak up for young people in sport.

Sixteen-year-old Rhys McCole is working hard on the Young People’s sport panel to give youngsters more opportunities to get active.

The Notre Dame High pupil was born with four holes in his heart, but is a rising talent in the ring and has spoken out about his autism.

He has won praise from national sports chiefs and hailed as an inspiration.

Now he hopes to use his influential role on the sports panel to give young people a voice.

Rhys, from Greenock, said: “The first year has been amazing and I have loved all of it, and the next year should be even better.

“I love being able to speak up for young people and to try to encourage more people to get involved.”

As part of his work with the panel Rhys has spent time with the Scottish athletes involved in the Rio Games.

Sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said: “Rhys has shown himself to be a true leader in sport and is part of a really inspiring group who I’m sure will have a positive influence on sport in this country over the next year.”

Young Scot chief executive Louise Macdonald added: “Rhys and the rest of the panel have brought a huge amount of enthusiasm and commitment to their roles.”