Olympics archer Alan Wills out to banish bad memories
ALAN Wills is determined to banish the nightmare of Beijing as he prepares to make his second Olympic appearance in London this week.
Wills arrived in China among the red-hot favourites for gold after some stunning results in the build-up to the Games.
The Peterlee man duly beat Marco Galiazzo, the then Olympic champion, in the opening rounds, only to lose to a much lower-ranked rival in the last 16.
And it’s a disappointment that he continues to draw on as he prepares to start his competition at Lord’s Cricket Ground this week.
“My attitude is so different now from what it was in Beijing,” said Wills, who now lives in Cumbria.
“Four years ago I was doing really well on the world stage but going into the Olympics things at home were not quite right and it was all a bit overwhelming.
“It was my first Games and there was a hell of a lot of expectation on me and I didn’t know how to handle it.
“To go to an Olympics is a massive achievement and so is to be considered a medal contender but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t consider yourself to have performed.
“What happened in Beijing was a kick in the teeth so to get this opportunity again means so much, I’m determined to take it.”
LLOYDS TSB, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012
SEE Tuesday’s Mail for full story
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Weather for Peterlee
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
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Light rain
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