Archer Nathan takes aim at Paralympic glory

Nathan Macqueen, 25, was involved in archery as a child and only started to get involved in it seriously two years ago after suffering setbacks in other sports and being convinced by his loving wife to give it another try.
After a motorcycle accident at the age of 18, the former St Joseph’s College pupil was left paralysed from the waist down — putting a cruel end to a prospective career in rugby, having been a player for Glasgow Warriors West.
He then decided to turn to powerlifting and had ambitions to compete in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games before injury crushed yet another prospective dream.
It was only then, two years ago, that Nathan, who now lives in Palbeth, West Lothian, tried his hand again at archery, and he has never looked back.
Nathan said: “This is my first time shooting in a Paralympics. I can’t believe it if I’m honest — it doesn’t seem that long ago since I started shooting again.
“I’m planning to just go and enjoy myself, because that’s when I shoot my best. When I don’t overthink things and just get on with it.”
Also finding time to volunteer for a charity called Spinal Injuries Scotland, Nathan already has one eye on the future for when he finally hangs up his bow for the last time.
He says that sport has always been a big part of his life. It has helped him work through his problems and he wants to use both his sporting ability and his life experience to coach disabled individuals who have suffered setbacks like himself. He hopes that he can help people find potential positives from a negative situation, just like he has done.
Nathan said “After archery I’d like to coach — in particular disabled individuals because I know it’s hard to find someone who understands and who has had the same experience.
“I think I just want to live life to the fullest with my beautiful wife and hopefully start a family one day.”