Meet the ParalympicsGB Shooting Para Sport Squad for Paris 2024

Matt Skelhon Celebrates Fifth Paralympic Selection for Paris 2024

Commenting on his selection for what will be his fifth Paralympic Games, Matt Skelhon expressed, “It’s absolutely epic to be selected to represent ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024. I never thought when I started I would be saying that I am going to my fifth Paralympics.”

The journey that has led Skelhon to this significant moment has been marked by sheer determination and resilience. “I’ve been at a high level in the shooting sport for 17 years now, having put in a lot of hard work, and I continue to do so,” he added, reflecting on the arduous path that elite athletes tread. The competitive landscape has only intensified over the years, yet Skelhon remains resolute. “It’s only getting harder to stay at the top with competition always getting higher, but I’m determined to be there as long as I can.”

His recent performances at the European and World Championships bear testament to Skelhon’s enduring talent. “My recent wins prove that I still have what it takes, and I’m continuing to train hard with my support team to keep my competitiveness.” Experience, he thinks, plays a vital role in the Games environment. However, he acknowledges a universal truth in competitive sports: “It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been; it never gets easier to compete. I just feel more comfortable feeling uncomfortable now.”

The spotlight also shines on the entire Shooting Para squad selected for Paris 2024, a group rich in experience and potential. Shooting Para team leader Duncan Tunbridge commented on the athletes’ remarkable resilience and adaptation. “This is a team full of experience and brimming with potential. With a combined total of fifteen Paralympic Games between them, these are athletes who know what it takes to perform on the highest stage.”

The sport’s steady growth means that athletes are constantly embracing new tactics and techniques to hone their performance. “As the strength and depth of the sport continues to grow, these athletes have embraced the challenge and continued to improve by being open to new ideas and forging strong relationships with each other and the team around them. Performances in competitions this year have shown that the hard work put in is paying off,” Tunbridge explained.

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The Chateauroux Shooting Centre will host the Shooting Para sport events from Friday 30 August to Thursday 5 September, providing a venue where past successes have set high expectations for this year’s squad. Tunbridge is optimistic, saying, “We look forward to returning there as part of ParalympicsGB to showcase this special sport on a global stage.”

Not to be overlooked is the leadership of ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe, who underlined the significance of this seasoned squad. “We are very proud to announce the selection of the four Paralympic Shooting athletes who will represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This squad is incredibly experienced, with each athlete having already competed at multiple Paralympic Games, which will undoubtedly put them in great stead heading into Paris.”

Briscoe eagerly anticipates the opportunity for these athletes to display their talents. “Paris will be a fantastic opportunity for Issy, Matt, Ryan, and Tim to once again showcase their talents and for the world to witness the skill of Shooting Para sport. We can’t wait to see them achieve great success in Paris and wish them all the very best of luck.”

The following athletes will represent the ParalympicsGB Shooting Para sport squad in Paris 2024:

ParalympicsGB Shooting Para sport squad for Paris 2024

• Matt Skelhon
  • R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone, SH1
  • R6 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone, SH1
• Ryan Cockbill
  • R4 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing, SH2
  • R5 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone, SH2
  • R6 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone, SH1
• Tim Jeffery
  • R4 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing, SH2
  • R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone, SH1
  • R9 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone, SH1
• Issy Bailey
  • P3 – Mixed 25m Pistol, SH1

As the anticipation grows for the Paris 2024 Games, the spotlight on adaptive sports and the exceptional abilities of these athletes is shining brightly, promising an event filled with thrilling competition and inspiring moments.

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