Para-shooter aims to be champion in two competitions over one weekend

A man from Gwynedd is aiming to be the British champion in two archery competitions this weekend.

Nick Thomas, 46, from Talysarn, Dyffryn Nantlle, is confident that he can beat both - if he is completely fit. But his target is to finish the competitions and be happy with his shooting.

He said: "I don't need to win both, but to reach a score which is good enough for me to be able to join the Great Britain squad."

A similar success would enable him to compete in the World championships in 2025 which will possibly be in South Korea.

On Saturday (September 14) he will compete in the Worshipful company of Fletchers, National Disability Championships. He has been second in this competition four times before.

He will then compete in the British Blind Sports National Championships on Sunday. Nick won this competition last year. The worst he has finished previously is third!

Both competitions will be held in Lilleshall near Telford. Nick will be in the category or class B2/3.

The competitions are open to everyone in Britain. At least 100 archers are expected including some who competed in the Paralympic Games in Paris.

Nick – who is married to Marie, 42, and father to Cadi, 14 and Hari, 10, is registered blind and works as a development officer with the North Wales Society for the Blind in Bangor, Gwynedd.

He has won gold medals in the outdoor and indoor British Championships; one silver in the World Games, two bronze in the World Championships and two bronze in the European Championship.

His wife, Marie, will be his spotter this time. The spotter sits one meter behind the shooter - but they are not allowed to do any coaching other than to say where the arrow lands on the target.

Nick said: “I've got a tough weekend of shooting ahead. Since I had a second small stroke about a month ago, I have a bit of weakness in my left side. But my shooting has improved.

"If I were 100 per cent fit, I would be able to win both (competitions) - I'm confident enough of that."

Nick is a distinguished athlete. He has been the British 100m and long jump champion as well as five-a-side futsal for England's visually impaired team - because there was no team in Wales.

He also enjoys climbing and canoeing. He carried the Olympic torch in 2012.

Photo: Nick Thomas. More info: Call Nick Thomas, 01248 353604.