Paris 2024 Flash Quotes: Para Archery

Comments from Paralympics GB para archer Phoebe Paterson Pine following this morning’s session.

Phoebe Paterson Pine

Result: won women’s compound 1/16 round match 142-141 against Diana Gonzabay Guaman of Ecuador

Age: 26

Hometown: Cirencester

“That was very nerve-wracking. I’m really proud of how I was able to handle the situation, obviously it’s difficult when the scores are that close. You need to focus on what you’re doing, staying in the moment and I knew I had to produce the best shot I could do and I’m glad that I did.

“Diana’s an incredible archer and a great opponent to go up against, it’s fantastic to be kept on your toes. So yeah I really enjoyed it. I generally really like the pressure anyway so it was really fun.

“I was able to see my parents all the time when I was shooting, I was able to look up and know they’re there for me and even if I did lose they all would have been proud of me, no matter what.

On preparing for the Games:

“A three year cycle is very short so it’s been intense. We’ve had to do a lot of sped up getting ready. Normally you have a year to recover then three years to prepare for the next Games so it’s been really intense but we’ve all worked really hard. Everyone at Paralympics GB have worked really hard. So I’m grateful to be here.”

On shooting in heavy rain:

“You just have to watch where the arrows go. It’s a case of working out are they going to go low because of the water making them heavier or are they moving fast enough that they aren’t affected. We’re lucky that we have rain but not much wind as wind is what people really don’t want to compete in. We’re English, it’s a bit of rain isn’t it, we deal with it every day. It’s fine.”

On family support:

“A big thank you to everyone that has been supportive throughout this entire journey. My parents for coming out and being there when I needed to talk to them, to cry at them or I needed a weekend away at home for them to take care of me. My sister has been supportive as always and the rest of my family. I have a massive family so thank you to everyone in the Paterson Pine family.”