ROBIN Womack will treat himself to a well deserved fish and chip supper after winning a brilliant bronze medal in the Paralympic Games shot put final on Saturday.

The Southend-based 41-year-old banned himself from eating one of his favourite meals in the build up to the biggest event of his career.

But, after finishing third with a massive new personal best of 11.34 metres, Womack will now treat himself to a celebratory meal.

“I just wanted this medal so badly and giving up fish and chips that I used to have every Friday showed that because that certainly wasn’t an easy thing for me to do,” said Womack.

“Living in Southend and not being able to have fish and chip was tough going, but winning this medal has made it all worthwhile and I just couldn’t be happier.

“It was a new PB by 33 centimetres and it shows I’m still rocking at the age of 41.”

Womack went in to the event with a slight shoulder niggle which he had kept as a secret before the Games.

However, a trip to a sports psychologist cleared Womack’s mind before entering the stadium.

“He just told me to not think about it and to concentrate on my throwing even though I was in agony with it after leaving the training camp in Portugal,” said Womack.

“When my first throw went out to just over nine metres I did worry.

“Thankfully my second was a new PB and my third went even further, so I was delighted.”

The third throw initially put Womack into second place but he was overtaken by Jeddi Jalil Bagheri, who threw a new Paralympic record of 11.64m in the second set of three throws, and had to settle for bronze.

But that did not concern Womack.

“I just wanted any medal so badly and no-one can take this away from me now,” said Womack.

“I was only two centimetres from second as well but I’m happy with bronze.

“The night before I competed my room-mate Aled Davies put the bronze he’d won around my neck and it really made me want one of my own.”

Yet, Womack went into the stadium having been unable to sleep and concerned over his beloved Southend United.

“I just couldn’t sleep because I knew this was my moment and I was really annoyed because I thought Kane Ferdinand and Ryan Hall were going to leave,” said Womack.

“Thankfully I was able to perform and having my friends and family literally right behind me in the stadium was a fantastic feeling.

“I owe my wife and family, my brother and his family and Craig at the Excel gym so much and this medal is as much for them as it is for me.

“And now I’ve got it I’m hoping Southend United might even get me a free box!”