Bevis focus on shooting medal

11:00am Saturday 6th September 2008

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HEREFORDSHIRE shooter James Bevis insists his trip to the Paralympics in Beijing will be no holiday.

The 32-year-old disabled target shooter will be taking part in the prone and standing sections of the 10-metre indoor air-rifle event.

Bevis is one of four in the Great Britain squad heading out for the Games.

He said: “You have to be strong-minded and you have to go to a competition like this and give it 100 per cent.

“It’s about how I shoot —that’s all I will be concerned with. I am not going away to be on holiday.

“Anything can happen on the day and that’s why I will need to give myself the best opportunity to succeed. I have given up coffee because that can affect your shooting.

“I still have to be careful in the run-up to the Games and I must remain fully focused on my own shooting.

“I need to look after my hands and fingers because if I get injured, somebody will come in and take my place. I am looking forward to going to China but I am not going to make a big fuss about it.”

Bevis lost the use of his right arm in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago but has since travelled the world with his shooting.

He said: “The accident was a life-changing experience because I had a lot of energy and I was heavily into shooting and fitness. All of a sudden, I had to start again.”