The 15-year-old is Dutch born but will now compete for the country where her grandfather was born.

She claims that she will receive "greater support and opportunities" in Turkey and the change has been supported by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).

"It is my goal to be the best wheelchair fencer in the world and the Paralympic champion in the future," said van Achterberg, who is a member of Turkey's Nilüfer Belediyespor club.

"I am still very young, 15-years-old, but if you want to get your goal you have to go for it and embrace all the opportunities you get.

"The Turkish Paralympic Federation and my club gives me the opportunities to make my dream come true."

In 2014, van Achterberg received the IWAS Wheelchair Athlete with International Potential award at the IWAS World Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville, where she also won individual and team bronze medals.

Her change of country is said to have also been backed by the Dutch Fencing Federation.

"Elke Lale is extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent Turkey, her grandfather's country," said van Achterberg's mother Gaby.

"The transfer opens many opportunities for her and I would like to thank IWAS for their assistance with the change."

Despite the switch, van Achterberg will continue to live and study in The Netherlands.