Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

Alan Wills
Mind games: Alan Wills says he won't be intimidated by his rivals

Top archer Wills stays focused on the target

James Olley
6 Aug 2008


Alan Wills today vowed not to wilt under the pressure of his status as a British medal hope at the Beijing Olympics.

The 26-year-old will compete in the individual and team archery events after securing a bronze medal in the World Cup Grand Final last November.

That result capped a two-year spell during which he claimed silver medals in the World Championships and at aWorld Cup event in August and enjoyed an extended period as the world's No1 archer.

With at least a bronze a real possibility in both the solo and team events, Wills insists he will not allow the psychological tricks among the sport's top competitors to affect his performance.

"There are so many mind games going on and people trying to intimidate each other," said Wills.

"But it won't bother me. You just go back to basics and remember why you do it and how much you want to compete. Everyone has nerves and it's just about who can compose themselves the best.

"There are no expectations on my part - if I am happy with my performance, good things will happen. It'll all be about what happens on the day."

The archery event runs for a week starting tomorrow and Wills encouraged those not accustomed to watching archery to get behind the team.

He said: "A lot of people may think it's just for Robin Hood but there is a lot more to it than that."
View videos, podcasts and diary entries from Alan Wills and follow his Olympic journey at www.teamgb.com

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •