After my successful 2019 when I was privileged to represent South Africa at the 2019 Para Archery world champs that took place in Holland. I would not have been able to attend this event without the kind sponsorship from MTN, I am humbled by their generosity, again Thank You MTN
In my category there were 75 archers from all over the world, each archers eyes on the limited spaces available for the 2020 Paralympics taking place in Tokyo. I ended up finishing 33rd overall and just outside the required finishing positions. I was very please with my trip, I made some good contacts from around the world and learn a lot about the sport, and the pressure in competing at this level.
As a side note I was the only Archer in the top 50 who had a normal 9 to 5 employment and had to train in my spare time. All the other archers were either professional or semiprofessional which means archery is pretty much their only focus.
Of course I have continued with my training and used the latter part of 2019, to maintain fitness and a competitive shooting level.
For 2020 I decided to no longer compete in my Disability class and chose to compete in the highly competitive, however it was agreed that any scores achieved would count towards my Disability qualification scores and Provincial/National/African records.
I have competed in 3 events since the beginning of the year:
Bellville Sunrise: I took Men’s Gold at this event
February Qualifier: 2 new provincial, National and Africa records and the highest score shot my any men, women or junior in South Africa this year so far. (306,305=611)
IFAA indoor: I again took men’s Gold. This is the 3rd year in a row I have won this event. I was also awarded my Provincial colours for this format.
I only require 1 more Protea qualifying score from the next 3 competitions between now and Easter weekend and I will then qualify to compete at the last event to obtain a Paralympic spot for Tokyo 2020. This event will take place in Czechoslovakia in June 2020. This will also be a self funded event as was the Para world champs in 2019.
I would lastly like to thank MTN and all my colleagues for all their support over the last 2 years which has enabled me to chase my dream of a second Paralympic Games.