Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
Athlete: Pippa Britton
From: Originally Cowbridge, now Newport
D.O.B: 27/05/1963
Hometown: Newport
Coach: Tim Hazell
Disability: Spina Bifida
We have Mr Britton to thank for archery talent Pippa Britton:
“My husband wanted me out of the house for one night a week so I decided to try a sport! It all went from there!”
Britton underwent major surgery in 2006 and her coach, Tim Hazell, supported her return to full fitness to secure three world records. In fact, just ten days after her operation, she lifted silver at a European Grand Prix.
Perhaps it is no surprise that her role model is Kelly Holmes – “ because she has stuck to her guns through setbacks and injury but in the end all her hard work paid off.”
Her outings at World Championships have proved fruitful and certainly augur well for Beijing. In 2007, she helped Great Britain take team gold. At the two previous World Championships, she came away with silver and a bronze. It would seem that a medal might just be in the offing this September.
Britton is certainly targeting gold in Beijing but she is also keen to represent Wales and would relish the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
She can often be found either training at Llantarman Archery Club or the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff.
Her physical training consists of shooting but she also swims for general fitness. Her preparation for the podium has also meant regular sports psychology session as she believes that mental training and visualisation is the key to success.
Britton was born with spina bifida and she developed scoliosis (curvature of the spine) at around 12 years of age.
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