A West Lothian archer is aiming for success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Addiewell-based Nathan MacQueen is hoping he can bring home a medal as the archery competitions get underway tomorrow (Friday).
The 30-year-old, who is taking part in his second Paralympic Games, having made his debut five years ago at Rio 2016, is competing in the men’s and mixed team compound events.
Along with his previous Paralympic Games experience, MacQueen has represented Team GB at two world and two European championships as well as a number of other top events along the way.
He heads into the Paralympics ranked fourth in the para category and says his main aim is be in as great a shape as possible as he goes for medal glory.
He commented: “My main objective for the year is to arrive for the Games in the best physical and mental condition possible, to put me in position to score well and win that coveted Paralympic
medal.”
Speaking to the Courier prior to heading across to Japan he admitted the one year delay in the competition could be a blessing in disguise after last year’s scheduled event was postponed due to the covid pandemic.
He said: “It was a wee bit frustrating last year because you’re in the mindset that you are going but it was called off early enough to come to terms with it all fairly easily.
“It was clearly the right thing to do in the situation and it gave me the chance to focus on the equipment and make changes that I wouldn’t have had the time to sort out if it had gone ahead last year.
“There were negatives to not going last year but plenty more positives because I feel like I’m in a better place now than I would have been last year.
“You could definitely say it was a blessing in disguise for me to have that extra year of preparation.”
Cathy Muldoon, vice-chair of West Lothian Council’s Culture and Leisure Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel wished Nathan ‘every success’ in Tokyo, saying: “I’m sure all of West Lothian will join me in cheering on Nathan when the archery contest begins on Friday.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games, and is down to the hard work and dedication shown by Nathan in his chosen sport. We wish him every success at the games, and hope he can bring a coveted medal home to West Lothian.”
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