Invictus joy for Gary

After taking gold and silver at the first ever Invictus Games in London, Lisburn archer Gary Prout is already turning his attentions to trying to make the Great Britain team for Rio 2016.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Sep 2014, 13:00 BST
Gary Prout, David Hubber and Steven Gill of Great Britain on the podium after the final of the Recurve Open archery at Olympic Park on September 12, 2014 in London. Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Invictus Games.Gary Prout, David Hubber and Steven Gill of Great Britain on the podium after the final of the Recurve Open archery at Olympic Park on September 12, 2014 in London. Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Invictus Games.
Gary Prout, David Hubber and Steven Gill of Great Britain on the podium after the final of the Recurve Open archery at Olympic Park on September 12, 2014 in London. Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Invictus Games.

Lance Bombardier Prout has used archery to help with his rehabilitation after sustaining leg and shoulder injuries while serving in the army.

And he was in fine form with the arrows at the Here East venue in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Friday, beating Great Britain teammate Steven Gill to earn a spot in the final of the Mixed Individual Recurve Open.

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Once again he was competing against one of his own in the form of David Hubber and it was his opponent who held his nerve best to triumph 6-0.

But Prout was back in action before the end of the day, this time teaming up with Hubber and Gavin Watson to take the Mixed Team Recurve Open gold medal.

“I want to go and get categorised for the Paralympics and aim for Rio. I’ve just passed my driving assessment so I’m driving again and that stopped me practicing an awful lot coming up to these games,” said Prout.

“I’m going to put in all the hours now and hopefully get on the squad.

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“I’ve shot for 22 years now and shot at quite a big level before – I represented the Northern Ireland senior team when I was 14 and shot in numerous British Championships indoor and outdoor.

“It’s a little bit frustrating whenever I come to these events as I’m not quite up to where my personal bests of where I was before.

“It’s something I’ll struggle to achieve again but I’ll keep working hard at it.

“It’s pretty overwhelming – I thought I was gone but I’m back in the sport now and shooting on a big stage and winning medals.”

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The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel, with more than 400 competitors from 13 nations taking part in nine sports across four days in London.

And with the spotlight well and truly on the Games and using the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country, Prout believes it is only just the start.

“Sport is absolutely huge for rehabilitation. We’ve brought veterans together, people injured in past and those with psychological issues and it has given us all a focus and we’ve made friends for like,” he added.

“I pray that somebody is going to take this up and this is going to continue and be hosted by all the other nations.

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“Not one person I’ve spoken to has said a bad word about this year, everyone is overwhelmed by the reception we have had.”

Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be the presenting partner of the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. For more info visitwww.jaguar.com and www.landrover.com

Related topics:Great BritainLisburnLondon