Diabetic archer Theo Williams wins gold in his first competition

Theo Williams, 10, was diagnosed with Type One diabetes when he was two-years-old, and having to constantly manage his blood sugar levels left him unable to take part in more active sports.

After taking up archery just over a year ago, Theo entered his first tournament on Sunday at Thornbury, near Bristol, coming away with the gold medal.

Theo’s dad, Kevin Williams, said he and the whole of Wye Valley Archery Club, where Theo shoots, were proud of his success.

“It’s an amazing achievement, I’m so proud of him, and so is everyone at the club,” said Mr Williams.

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“It was a difficult day, the weather wasn’t the best but I told him to remember it was the same for everyone.

“It was raining all day, but he stayed calm and collected and carried on with it.

“He was delighted. After the shoot he went straight up to the archery club to show his instructor who wasn’t able to make it.

“He’s taken the medal into school, he’s over the moon with it.”

(10-year-old Theo Williams from Cwmbran discovered his love for archery as a way of helping with his diabetes. Picture: Kevin Williams.)

The archers were split into groups for the competition, and 10-year-old Theo was shooting with a group of adults.

Both Theo and his younger brother Sebastian, who’s seven, were diagnosed with Type One diabetes when they were two years old.

Theo uses the discipline needed for archery to help manage his sugar levels.

“He has got diabetes but he’s not letting it beat him down and he wants to show how he can still achieve his goals,” said Mr Williams.

Looking forward, Mr Williams said: “We are looking at entering him in some more competitions, and he is looking to learn how to shoot a longbow. He is using a reflex bow at the moment.”