Great Britain returned home from the European Para Archery Championships with a five medal haul, including two golds and three bronze.
Cameron Radigan became the recurve men’s open European Para Champion, a career first for the Scottish archer. At four ends all in the final against Slovakia’s David Ivan, he shot a 26 end to finish with a 6-4 win.
“I was calm and looking forward to the final,” said Cameron. “During the match it got really warm really fast. Luckily, we implemented my cooling routine very quickly so I was able to perform at my best. This is the first individual international gold medal I have won. I would like to thank all the staff, my family and my friends for all their hard work and understanding.”
Cameron then joined teammate Dave Phillips back on the finals field for the recurve men’s open doubles gold match. Opening with two consecutive ends of 37 points, the duo paved their way to a 5-1 win over the team from Italy.
Para archery GB coach, Charlotte Burgess, commented on Cameron and Dave’s performance: “They know how to support and communicate each other’s needs. This only comes with the amount of time they have committed and trained together. I couldn’t be happier.”
VI 2/3 archer, Nick Thomas, added European bronze medallist to his growing list of achievements by defeating his Belgian opponent in the final with a 7-1 win.
“It was a stunning venue to shoot at, although very nerve racking,” said Nick. “I really enjoyed the experience and to win the medal with Marie, my wife, supporting me, makes it extra special.”
Phoebe Paterson Pine earned herself two bronze medals, the first with Nathan MacQueen in the compound open mixed category. The second ranked British team faced the fourth ranked duo from Italy. Phoebe and Nathan gained a significant head start from the first end, and they were able to maintain their lead until the end of the match to win 147-132.
Two matches later, Phoebe returned to the stage with Jodie Grinham for the compound women’s open doubles. The two women shot against the Polish team who ranked in fourth to GB’s second. Both teams were tied on 63 apiece after two ends, but the British women fought hard to secure the bronze medal with a 139-131 win.
