Cameron Radigan’s journey to achieve his goal of being an elite archer and representing Scotland at the highest level has finally come to fruition through hard work, dedication and the support of family, friends and the local community.

Cameron was diagnosed with cancer in his left leg when he was two. Treatment saved his life but also cost him part of his left leg. Eleven years in remission he is still undergoing surgery on his leg while competing at every opportunity. The latest procedure has left him dependent on a wheelchair but he hasn't allowed this to get in the way of his ambition to compete at the very highest level and despite health challenges and the pandemic Cameron's qualification for the Commonwealth Championships is even more inspiring.

Overcoming all obstacles, Cameron has been working harder than ever to make sure he is competition ready. His first year of competing at senior level has been filled with adversity but also success.  Not only is he the current British Men’s Para Recurve Champion but he has been selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Championships 2022.

Cameron narrowly missed being considered for the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020, however, lockdown meant all competitions were cancelled and Cameron didn't have the chance to compete to achieve the necessary WA720 scores until after the team was selected.

With all archery clubs closed due to the pandemic, a determined Cameron used an abandoned bus shelter to train but when this was earmarked for demolition, Cameron approached East Ayrshire Council about using the hockey field at his former school, Loudon Academy, at evening and weekends. East Ayrshire Leisure also gave Cameron use of the Ayrshire Athletics Arena when it was not in use. With all risk assessments approved and COVID-19 restrictions in place, Cameron created a team of archers to train with called Red Frog. This has allowed them to compete against each other and his Coach Lana Needham (Former Commonwealth Scotland Team Head Coach) has also been participating by coaching over video on WhatsApp.

In August 2020, when the restrictions were eased and pilot archery competitions were allowed to take place. Cameron was ready.

There is only one Para archery event in the UK, so he will be competing against able bodied archers for the full season. He placed 13th in the WAC Open in Surrey that comprised of 80 archers, including members of the former and current Olympic men’s team. In the Archery GB international H2H he ranked 9^th in a field that consisted of the current British men’s Olympic squad, competitors from Ireland and Australia. Cameron also competed in the Barnsley Archery Club Double WA720 and ranked 4^th in a field that consisted of the current UK top men’s recurve archer.

Cameron said, “I appreciate the support of East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure and I hope they are satisfied with the effort I have put in over the past year to ensure my current competitive level has been maintained and that I represent Scotland to the best of my abilities”.

It is safe to say East Ayrshire Leisure and East Ayrshire Council are massively proud of the progress made by Cameron, but mostly by his determination and dedication to training and we wish him the very best of luck!

You can follow Cameron’s journey on his training blog https://www.facebook.com/Camerons-Training-Blog-1865031173759464/

Find out more information about facilities at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena