Addiewell archer Nathan Macqueen is targeting success on the global stage – and Paralympic Games qualification – after scooping European gold.
The 31-year-old took home top prize at the first leg of the European Para Cup in Nove Mesto nad Metuji in the Czech Republic.
He was in fine form as he won the Open Compound Men’s event with victory over Ukraine’s Serhiy Atamanenko in the gold medal match.
He admitted the triumph was something of a shock, but insists it is a huge positive as he continued his preparations for next month’s World Para Archery Championships.
They are also set to take place in the Czech Republic, with Pilsen hosting the event which runs from July 17-23 and will have a large say on whether or not he can make it to a third Paralympic Games.
Speaking to the Courier, Macqueen said: “To be honest I wasn’t really expecting it. I certainly didn’t go there thinking that I would win even though I was shooting really well domestically in competitions.
“This is obviously a step above that and I’m delighted to have won against such a strong field.
“To be honest, I was more using it as preparation for the World Para Archery Championships in July and using this event and really all of the European legs to just make sure that everything is working as it should and all the equipment is fine.
“I guess it’s a huge positive and definitely a confidence boost knowing that I can win these sort of competitions when I’m maybe not at my best or still trying to work things out a bit.”
Macqueen, who has represented Great Britain in the last two Paralympic Games, is targeting a third bite at the cherry and admits he can head back to the Czech Republic next month ready to seal his place.
He said: “I feel confident heading into the World Championships. That’s probably the most important competition of the season because it’s basically a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“I’ve competed in two Paralympic Games before and a few World Championships so I know the standards set at these competitions and what’s expected.
“I feel like I’m in a good place heading to the Czech Republic, but there’s still some time and competitions left before that to fine tune things.”
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