Make no mistake about the talent or competitiveness of the archers at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Lining-up alongside the many novice competitors is a group of internationally-ranked athletes who have their sights set on representing their countries at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Retired Australian Special Forces Sniper Team Commander Garry Robinson is one of those.
Presently ranked third in Australian para archery, the veteran, who sustained severe injuries in a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan, is on target for the Tokyo Games.
Australian Paralympic coach Ricci Cheah is one of the specialists both supporting and scouting talent at the archery which is being held on the hockey turf at Sydney Olympic Park.
“The Invictus Games are a pathway into para sports,” said Australian Paralympic coach Ricci Cheah.
“It’s interesting to see the competitiveness of all the sports – part of what we do is to try and recruit some of these competitors.
“They need to be classified to compete in the para sport divisions… there are many opportunities.”
To achieve a place in the Paralympic team, Robinson must finish among the top three competitors at the national titles in January. If successful, he will compete in Italy and then at the World Championships in the Netherlands in 2019.
“What makes Garry so special is his mindset,” Cheah said.
He has a hunger to improve and learn. Every session he arrives early and is the last to leave. He has a really good chance to represent Australia.
From the stands, Australian junior archer Eddie Upston applauded the performance of all the competitors at the Invictus Games.
“It’s a really good standard of competition and so good to watch,’’ said Upston, who won three gold medals and a bronze at the 2018 Oceania Youth Championships.
“The Invictus Games are something I will remember when I need to calm myself in competition.
“I will think about this event, the competitors and what they have been through; they inspire me.”
Catriona Dixon
Invictus Games Sydney 2018