Jonathon Milne has booked a ticket to the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics representing Australia in Archery. We caught up with Jonathon for a chat.
I bought my first bow in February 2013, just after I had my accident. The Rehab centre I was in was about 10 minutes up the road from Sydney Olympic Park Archers so that’s where i joined. Before I started archery I rode dirt bikes and bmx bikes and played other sports like Futsal and tennis but at around 16 started surfing and when I got my license that’s what I did as often as possible. I got into archery because I wanted something to do and keep me occupied while I was in rehab after my accident.
I tried wheelchair tennis but didn’t like it and I had no interest in basketball when I was standing so I wasn’t going to start playing in a chair. My goal for Tokyo is the same for every tournament, go out there and stick to my process, shoot strong shots and have fun. No other Australian Para Archers have qualified yet but there is still one more chance for them at the last chance qualifier in the Czech Republic later this year.
My sponsors at this point in time are Shrewd and Goldtip and BCE Targets and Steve Hann from Archery Supplies helps me out with my PSE Bows. Hopefully if keep improving and put in the effort I might pop up on PSE’s radar.
What I enjoy most about archery is there is always something to work on and try to improve. You will never stop learning and I also enjoy helping other to improve and see them start to really enjoy shooting. My biggest achievement so far would have to be my Individual bronze medal in Rio. There are a couple that have come close like winning the 2016 Para indoor world championships or winning gold in Italy in 2018 at the first leg of the European Para Championships or breaking the Para 1440 world record at outdoor nationals last year and winning the open men’s division for the 1440.
My advice for any young archers would be get a good coach and learn a proper shot process and don’t go into tournaments chasing a score. If you follow your process and shoot 1 arrow at a time you will get the scores and have fun doing it.