The Tuks Paralympic archer, Shaun Anderson, proved he is on track to maybe medalling during next month's World Archery Championships in Hertogenbosch, Netherlands when he set two national records over the weekend.

Anderson who competed in the disabled W1-category at Marks Park shot a score of 634 out of a possible 720 in the first round. His previous record was 623, but he was far from finished. During the second round, he was even more accurate shooting 649. His combined score is also a new national record. 

The Tuks archer was justifiably excited about what he had achieved. 

"If I can get close to shooting the same scores during the World Championships (10-16 June) I would have a real chance of getting a top-five finish, even maybe to win a medal," said Anderson who last competed at a  World Championship in 2017.

The International Archery Federation bestowed a significant honour on Anderson on asking him to be one of the guest speakers during the World Championships.

"I was surprised on being asked; however, I did not hesitate for a moment in agreeing to do so as it is a real privilege. The message I want to bring across is that people should refrain from making any assumptions when seeing someone in a wheelchair. We are still human. I would actually say we are superhuman because it takes real courage to live life to the fullest chasing your dreams after a severe setback.

"Perhaps I am to 'dumb' to feel sorry for myself, but I am genuinely enjoying life. Don't get me wrong; I do have my off days. What keeps me going when I am down is my family and friends and the support structure at TuksSport. 

"Sport is the one thing that kept me going. Through my participation, I have learned to make peace with every setback that came my way."

Anderson was left paralysed two years ago after a motorboat accident. Before that, his left arm was amputated after he was involved in a motorbike accident a few years ago.

The other Tuks archers who have been selected to represent South Africa at World Cup Tournaments, as well as World Championships, are Patrick Roux 
Reuben Brent-Meek, Christian de Klerk and Danelle Wentzel. 

The young Tuks archer, Bernard Badenhorst, recently set two age-group world records in the "Bowhunter Limited-category" while competing at the IFAA World Indoor Championships in Wellington, New Zealand.