After a motorcycle accident at the age of 18, Nathan Macqueen, 25, was left paralysed from the waist down – putting an end to a prospective career in rugby, having been a player for Glasgow Warriors West.
The former St Joseph’s College pupil was involved in archery as a child and only started to take it seriously two years ago after suffering setbacks in other sports, and being convinced by his wife to give it another go.
Now though, Nathan has torn through the competition, winning his first international title, toppling the top seed on the way.
Ranking third after qualification, Nathan was granted an automatic bye into the last 16, where he faced fellow Briton Ben Edwards edging it 143-138, before defeating Brazil’s Julio Oliveira 143-134 and Canadian Kevin Evans.
He then headed into a showdown with world number one Alberto Simonelli.
Speaking about his form before Sunday’s match, Nathan said: “I’m really happy with how I’ve performed in the head to head, I’ve been really consistent and been able to keep the pressure on my opponents.”
Coming into the final as a massive underdog, Nathan knew he would have to battle both Simonelli and his nerves.
He was victorious against both, sealing a shock victory in style, with a score of 145-140.
Afterwards he said: “Going into my match against Alberto, I was really confident I could cause an upset, especially after my previous matches. I knew I just had to stay calm and not let my nerves get the best of me.”
Rather than sampling Dubai’s nightlife to celebrate his victory though, Nathan said he was just looking forward to getting home.
With his tongue in cheek, he said: “I’m just going to go home and spend some time with my wife. I live the rock and roll lifestyle.”
