Dickins won the single kayak 200 metres KL3 title in the Brazilian city, which was her country's 100th medal of the Games.

She was victorious in her much anticipated rivalry with Australian Amanda Reynolds, clinching gold by 0.03 seconds.

Dickins, a keen cyclist until her back injury made it impossible to ride, was inspired to take up the sport after volunteering at London 2012. 

Another volunteer pointed her in the direction of Para-canoe as a sport she could do despite her weak leg and within weeks she was training.

At her first European Championships in 2013, she claimed gold.

Before competing in Rio, Dickins was already a three-time European champion and a two-time and reigning world champion.

"Taking up a new sport and winning gold in Rio has completely changed my life and I have learnt so much about myself and feel a lot wiser because of it," said Dickins.

"I have learnt to accept that life isn't always fair but that's okay.

"That injury or disability doesn't have to define who you are or what you can do.

"I've learnt if what you are doing isn't working, to try to think differently and find a new approach to make it happen.

"But above all I have learnt the power of being in a strong team - you don't have to do it on your own.

"I have been really lucky to have had the support of the British Canoeing Para-canoe programme."

Dickins was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2017 New Year's Honours list.