Nottingham's David Butler was part of the winning UK Goalball team that secured an odds-defying victory at the European Goalball Championships in Malmo.
The team won a nail-biting final against favourites Russia.
After convincing victories in the group stages, including an impressive 11-2 score against Croatia, they reached the semi-finals against Portugal.
And a 5-3 win secured promotion in the European league and revenge against rivals Portugal, who had knocked them out of the tournament two years previously.
Promotion secured, the team went into the final having already achieved their aim for the tournament.
A tense match followed, with both teams going into extra-time at 5-5 before a golden goal carried Butler and his team-mates to a 6-5 victory.
The sport was originally developed to rehabilitate soldiers after the Second World War and has been enjoying a surge in support and participation, especially after its popularity at London 2012.
Played with raised markings on the floor, blindfolds are used to ensure an even playing field as players locate the ball through sound.
Butler, a promising footballer before losing his sight, said: "We went to Malmo hoping for promotion, so when we knocked out Portugal we were absolutely delighted.
"So to beat Russia, and right at the last minute in sudden death, was above and beyond what we expected."
Mike Reilly, CEO of Goalball UK, added: "With a young team, our success is an indicator of what's to come for Team GB.
"The sport is continuing to attract top talent with the team improving rapidly.
"David, for example, started playing though our Talent Program and has rapidly moved up the ranks to become an invaluable member of the team.
"London 2012 was a watershed moment for Goalball, but the team's success at Malmo just goes to show that everyone involved, from coaches and volunteers to players and their families, are focused on driving the sport forward and establishing Team GB as the ones to be beaten."
The first step towards Tokyo 2020, victory at Malmo means that the UK Men's team has now joined the European B League.
