Camborne archer Mick Beard has been selected as part of the British team for this year's Paralympics in Beijing.
This will be the first games for 44-year-old Beard, who moved to Cornwall from Gloucester last year.
"It means everything, it's what I've spent all those weekends in the pouring rain for, it's the top of the game, and it's as good as it gets," Beard said.
"I'm still getting my head round it, and it's wonderful that people are so excited for me."
Beard was inspired to take up the sport after watching Larry Godfrey make the semi-finals in Athens four years ago.
"The hard work starts now because you've got the added incentive of not just going, but going to win"
"I guess I must have had an aptitude, but you get out of it what you put into it. My nature is that if I do something, I take it to the limit," he added.
"Now I've secured my place in Beijing there's a lot of hard work ahead - you could say the hard work starts now because you've got the added incentive of not just going, but going to win."
Beard's rise has been praised by the Archery team's head coach Tim Hazell.
"Mick has prepared for his first Games with an undeniable focus and is now ready to do battle and with such determination he'll be a genuine contender for a medal," he said.
The Paralympics run from 6-17 September with the Archery events taking place at the Olympic Green Archery Field in Beijing from 9-15 September.
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