12th September 2014

PAUL GOMMERS THANKS PRINCE HARRY FOR NEW START AFTER CLAIMING TEAM SILVER IN RECURVE OPEN ARCHERY ON DAY TWO OF THE INVICTUS GAMES

12 September 2014 - Netherlands archer Paul Gommers admits competing in the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, has marked the start of a new chapter in his life.

The Sergent Major, who lives in Apeldoorn, suffers from a fragile ankle – an injury caused by landing on a steel plate during a parachute demonstration jump in 2007.

The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel championed by Prince Harry taking place this September.

At the opening ceremony, the Prince spoke of the Games marking the end of a chapter in the recovery of competitors and the beginning of a new one – a view Gommers agrees with.

The 44-year-old only took up archery 12 weeks ago ahead of competing in the Games but after helping the Netherlands to Recurve Open Team silver, he is now targeting a spot at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

“To win a silver medal is great and I feel so happy,” Gommers said.

“We were training for 42 hours and my goal was to medal with the team and we made it. To win a silver medal is great and I feel so happy.

“Doing archery completely takes my mind off my injury and I don’t feel any pain. My mind is totally focused on the target. It helps and it you understand your body that bit more and also to deal with the injury.

“This is my new start in sport. This is a new start in my life and I’d like to try and build from here. I’ve reached my goal of winning a medal. Now I’d like to try to reach the Paralympics in Rio – that is my new goal.”

And Gommers admits having the chance to be in London and speak to other servicemen and women who have been injured is something he will never forget.

“The whole experience has been incredible and I am really thankful that Prince Harry did this,” he said.

“I did a lot of parachuting World Championships and military world games but because of my injury I needed something else and archery was my thing. It was great that an event like this was made possible.

“All the competitors talk about how they have recovered from their injury and it helps you a lot. It has just been amazing to be a part of.”