Davies to get London shot (From Dudley News)

Davies to get London shot

5:10pm Friday 8th June 2012 in Sport

NORTON shooter Richard Davies is set to realise his Paralympic dream.

The 40-year-old dad-of-three was last week confirmed in the British team for the Games after a four-year battle to make the cut.

Davies retained his British title back in February but had to maintain his fine form, such was the high level of competition for places.

He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon, I feel like the last four years of hard work and sacrifice have really paid off.

“The rivalry to get into the team was intense but I’m now the best in the squad at my discipline.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work to reach this point and my family and others have provided me with a lot of support and commitment.

“I am really looking forward to the Games, having seen the excellent venues where we will compete.”

Despite his euphoria at making the team, Davies insists he won’t travel to London to just make up the numbers.

After taking an indivdual bronze and a team gold at the recent Turkish Open, the former wheelchair basketball player is convinced he can challenge for gold and is set to step up his training from 40 to 47 hours a week He added: “Gold is the only medal I’m looking for. The ambition was not only to get to the Paralympics but to win gold as well. Bringing the gold medal back to the Midlands would really be something special.”