By Emma Logan, Communications Manager
As the current world number two, Nathan Macqueen is hungry to regain the top spot and put on a good show for his family that will be cheering him on when he competes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Paris Paralympics will be the third Games for the Para archer from Dumfries, after making his debut at Rio 2016. Nathan’s world number two ranking comes after a silver medal at the 2023 World Para Championships compound open. He followed this up this year with a gold in the compound open mixed team division at the European Para Cup (with Jodie Grinham) and a bronze in the mixed team medal at the European Para Championships (with Phoebe Paterson Pine).
Despite the pressure that comes with competing on the world stage, Nathan’s tactic is to simply enjoy the event.
“I just want to go in and enjoy it because when I’m enjoying myself, I’m more relaxed and that’s when I shoot my best”, said Nathan.
“That’s when I’m at my most dangerous to other archers. It’s when I start thinking about the occasion is when things go a bit wrong.”
Despite currently recovering from a chest infection, training shows Nathan to be on top form.
“I was one point off the British record three weeks ago at a competition. It’s the first time I’ve ever shot over 700 (points) in a competition as well, so that was really good.”
Nathan’s family could be his secret weapon in Paris. For the first time he will have family members present and cheering him on at the Paralympics, which is a great advantage for him.
“There’s ten members of my family going out”, said Nathan.
“It’s going to be a new one for me because I’ve never had anyone at a competition before. I normally struggle. In Tokyo and Rio with the time difference and trying to get that bit of the day where you can talk to family and what not but (this time) they’re going over. They’re going to be in the same time zone as me. I’ll be able to see them so yeah, I’m hoping that it will allow me to focus more and not be homesick.”
His family have played an instrumental part in his sporting journey. After his motorbike accident in 2009, Nathan participated in several different sports before his now wife recommended that he try archery, after having participated in the sport when he was younger with his dad.
“If I didn’t have the support from my family then I wouldn’t be in the position I am now”, said Nathan.
“The amount of sacrifices she (his wife) makes so that I can do what I do. So, just thank you.”
Returning to the sport has proven to have a huge impact on his life, outside of competing on the world stage.
“It has given me a focus and a goal. I was always really goal orientated. I was a joiner beforehand so you would set yourself a goal for the day and archery is the exact same. Short term goals, mid term and long term goals. Just marking it out.”
Regardless of his form and his family’s support, you can never predict the outcome of an archery competition.
“It’s a really unforgiving sport”, commented Nathan.
“You can’t control anyone else. You can’t even influence anyone else. You just need to go out and shoot your best. You could shoot a world record and then someone else could pip the world record by a point and you’d lose.”
Despite the challenges of the sport, Nathan advises anyone that feels inspired to take up archery after watching the Paralympics should remember to: “Just be patient and have fun.”
He continued to say, “I never thought I’d be doing archery for a living but here I am. So just try things and don’t be afraid to fail either.”
Nathan will be competing in the compound men’s open category and compound open mixed team, between the 29th August and 2nd September at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. You can watch the Paralympics live and catch up on Channel 4, from the 28th August to the 8th September. More information about Nathan can be found on his website.
