ParalympicsGB announces archery team members for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

ParalympicsGB has today announced four archers who have been selected to represent Great Britain at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games this summer.

Paralympic gold medallists Jess Stretton and John Stubbs are joined by Nathan Macqueen and Hazel Chaisty, who makes her Paralympic debut in Tokyo.

The four athletes represent the second sport to be announced as part of the ParalympicsGB team bound for Tokyo, joining six shooting Para sport athletes named earlier this year.

Stretton made an immediate impact on her Paralympic debut, winning individual gold at Rio 2016 at just 16-years-old. While the talented athlete heads to Tokyo to hopefully win again in a new category, she feels no added pressure.

“I’ve just turned 21, I’ve been an archer for eight years and have loved it from that first arrow,” said Stretton.

“Everyone’s adapted really well to training at home and staying positive. The squad are so close, we all support each other in working towards Japan.”

For Beijing 2008 gold medallist Stubbs, Tokyo 2020 will be his fourth Paralympic Games, and the 55-year-old is looking forward to pulling on the British vest once again.

“I’m as excited as I was when I had my first taste of the Paralympic Games 13 years ago,” said Stubbs. “My passion for archery remains as strong as ever and I am proud to have the chance to represent my country once again.

“The last year has been tough for everyone. We know as athletes we’re in a privileged position because we could keep training even when ranges were closed.

“The archery community is a family and the respect and support you receive is second to none. I know they’ll be behind us when we step onto the shooting line in Tokyo.”

Tokyo 2020 will be Macqueen’s second Paralympic Games. The Scot made his debut at Rio 2016, where he finished in ninth place, losing out in the round of 16 to the eventual gold medallist. Chaisty meanwhile will line up at her first Paralympic Games having finished on the podium at World Ranking events in the last two years.

Tokyo 2020 Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe said: “I am delighted to welcome Jess, John, Nathan and Hazel who together bring great experience to the ParalympicsGB team, and a laser-like focus on their Tokyo targets.

“Great Britain has a great history of success in archery at previous Paralympic Games and I know our four archers will relish the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage of all.”

Paralympic Team Leader Tom Duggan said: “All four athletes have worked tremendously hard to get to the position they are in today and there’s no doubt they are fully deserving of their place on the ParalympicsGB team.

“I am extremely proud of the determination, commitment and composure Jess, John, Nathan and Hazel have shown, particularly over the last year. They’ve adapted their homes to make room for gym equipment as well as doing bow drills with resistance bands in their gardens.

“Adjusting and adapting to new ways of training due to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated their drive and flexibility. I know this will stand them in good stead both in the build up to and during the Games.”

Archery’s final Qualifying Tournament for the Paralympic Games is scheduled to take place in July with a number of British athletes still looking to secure a spot on the ParalympicsGB team.

A total of around 240 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Japan, with further names to be announced in the coming months.

ParalympicsGB captured the imagination of the British public at London 2012 winning 120 medals in front of sell-out crowds with countless memorable performances.

The team eclipsed that performance at Rio 2016 winning an outstanding 147 medals including 64 golds to finish second in the overall medal table. The rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be staged from 24th August to 5th September.