Nissan Retail Group's site in Leicester is providing the Loughborough-based athlete with the new vehicle as part of its role as the official automotive partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

The 29-year-old, winner of a bronze medal at Beijing 2008 in the T44 200 metres and silver at London 2012 in the F42/F44 long jump, is one of a number of Nissan-sponsored athletes who will be provided with vehicles as part of the deal in the build up to Rio 2016.

"As an athlete one of the biggest hurdles you face is actually physically being able to get to all the meets and so having a car is vital," said Reid, who grew up in Canada and competed for them in Beijing before switching allegiance to Great Britain in 2010.

"You find yourself driving up and down the country a lot.

"The life of an athlete is a life of travel and so to have a car that is reliable, enjoyable to drive and comfortable is really important."

Stefanie Reid will be aiming for hat-trick of medals at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images



Reid, a lower-leg amputee following a boating accident at the age of 16, starred in an advertising campaign for department store Debenhams last year and also took part in a number of fashion shows through her involvement with fashion agency, Models of Diversity.

In January this year Nissan announced six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and Paralympic sprint champion Richard Whitehead as ambassadors following the launch of its  #UniteAnd Excite campaign which aims to provide Olympic and Paralympic fans with exclusive behind the scenes access to athlete's stories and preparation for Rio 2016.

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