Yahoo Sports RAF veteran hopes to represent UK at Paralympics
A RAF veteran who had a below-knee amputation has hopes of being selected to represent Team GB in archery at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028, after taking up the sport last year.
Richard Davies, 37, from Costessey, near Norwich, was selected to represent Team UK in swimming at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2023, where he won four gold medals. While at the games he tried archery.
In 2019, when stationed in Cyprus with the RAF, an aircraft engine transportation trailer was towed into the back of his foot, which eventually led to an amputation in 2021.
“[When I took up archery] I was told you have a bit of a gift for this,” Mr Davies told BBC Radio Norfolk. “After that I brought a bow and arrows and everything, joined the Wymondham Archers and just gone from there.”
'Mocked by the prince'
The Invictus Games was founded by Prince Harry in 2014 and is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, who are either still serving or veterans.
Mr Davies said: “It's hard to explain, you are walking out in front of around 40,000 people with them all screaming for you, and it just like 'nah I am a nobody'.”
“I never thought I would get to compete on a international stage.”
Mr Davies recalled meeting the prince, who remains the patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, at the event.
“What [Prince Harry] did with the Invictus Games I can’t fault him. He has given so many of us an opportunity of trying a new sport.”
“He had great banter with everyone. I have a very cliché RAF moustache which he mocked me for. Getting mocked by the prince is absolutely fine by me.”
Mr Davies now aims to compete at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“It's early days, but I would like to. That would be the goal. With the right coaching from the club and if I can get selected for the para athletics talent pathway we will see where it goes.
“It would be an amazing experience to say 'I have competed on the world stage at Paralympics'.”
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