Paralympic archers set to give Cupid a run for his money (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Paralympic archers John Stubbs and Leigh Walmsley set to give Cupid a run for his money

6:30am Friday 1st June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News

THREE years after they were hit by Cupid’s arrow, Warrington couple John Stubbs and Leigh Walmsley are readying their own bows to represent Team GB’s Paralympic archery team at London 2012.

A gold-medal winner in Bejing in 2008, 46-year-old compound archer John – who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 1989 – is no stranger to competing at the sport’s top level.

But the selection represents a debut games appearance for rheumatoid arthritis sufferer Leigh, who took up the sport just six years ago as a way to make new friends.

The 43-year-old recurve archer – a dual UK and US citizen who grew up in mid-west America – found more than just new acquaintances, meeting John after being persuaded to attend competitions by her clubmates.

It was also the start of her rapid rise into the sport’s elite level.

“I really had no interest it competing, and it was meant to be a hobby,” she said.

“But my relationship with John has had a huge impact on my progression through the sport.

“I got to see John’s philosophy about training and spend time in that elite environment.

“I was part of the Talent 2012 programme in 2010 and though I wasn’t selected I told them ‘you have not seen the last of me’ and here I am now.

“I think this is the first time a couple have both represented Team GB Archery at the same games, so I am delighted that John and I have achieved that together.”