World record shooter IMBODEN rounding into form before home Europeans

This article was written by Billie MARSHALL for the International Paralympic Committee. Read the original piece on the IPC website.

As one of the key events of the para archery calendar approaches, Swiss athlete Martin IMBODEN is hoping home support will be a factor as he arrives in the best form possible ready for the Nottwil 2014 European Para Championships.

IMBODEN shot a new compound open world record score earlier this month in Basel. That score was raised a couple of points by Great Britain’s John STUBBS a few days later, subject to ratification. But IMBODEN’s performance heightened expectation from the Swiss faithful.

At Nottwil, IMBODEN expects a different atmosphere: “I have never participated in such an important event on home soil and in front of spectators from my own country. This will give me an additional boost of energy – in a very positive way’.

Having shot a world record, IMBODEN is settling into a rich vein of form that could see him be one of the favourites. 

“I’ll continue my training as usual,” he said, adamant that nothing in his preparation would change. “I’ll still take part in smaller competitions to keep my momentum going into the European Championships.”

Despite Nottwil on the horizon, IMBODEN is casting his eye to potential success at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: “I need to keep shooting results that will allow me to qualify for Rio and a good result here in my home nation will go along way to securing that.”

Although Martin and his coach cannot anticipate what the future holds, both are observing other archers very closely in an attempt to improve in any way possible.

While that includes able-bodied and open competition, IMBODEN has no plans to start competing in these events more regularly. “I need a reasonable balance between competition periods and non-competition periods,” he explained. “Increasing the able-bodied competitions would influence this balance in a negative way.”

IMBODEN is going to experience the home arena advantage of representing their nation at an international event in their own country. It will bring added pressure and expectation… but it is a truly proud moment. 

Martin IMBODEN will be one of 150 athletes from 25 countries competing at the 2014 Para-Archery European Championships between 26 July-4 August.