Chateauroux 2018: Steve Medina to make history

Steve Medina will make history for Peru at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Chateauroux, France, from 24-29 September.

He will be one of the first shooters from his country to take part in an international competition.

“This is very exciting. It is Peru’s first time competing at such an event,” said Medina.

“This is an amazing challenge and a very important one. I am passionate about what I do and always have fun when I go and practice or compete. Sport is part of me.”

As it will be his first experience competing abroad, Medina will be happy with “getting to know the place, performing as I have been doing in the trainings and having fun while doing so. There is no bigger rival than myself and I will try to improve day after day.”

It is an important moment for Peruvian Para sports as the sixth and biggest Parapan American Games will take place in Lima, between 23 August and 1 September 2019.

History at the Parapans

This will be the first major Para sport competition held in Peru, with shooting being one of three sports – together with badminton and taekwondo – to feature in the Parapans for the first time ever.

“This is such a good opportunity for our country and our sport,” added Medina. “It will be a nice and interesting competition for everyone involved and for those watching.”

The 44-year-old took on shooting in 2016, after being invited to an event to try out different Para sports.

“One of those was shooting. I enjoyed it and representatives of the Peruvian Shooting Federation immediately invited me to take part in a competition that same day.”

Sport as a tool

Eleven years before, Medina had had the spine fractured and multiple injuries on his body as a result of a car accident.

“A new stage in my life started from there. And I picked shooting because it helps me relax and feel good. When you like something, you need try live it as much as you can.

“Every time I meet a person with an impairment either at the hospital or on the street, I invite them to try a sport. Doing sports helps you psychologically and physically.”

The Chateauroux World Cup will be livestreamed on Shooting World Para Sport website from 25 September.