Danielle Brown has been classified as ‘not eligible’ to participate in Para-archery competitions, after an appeal she lodged against her original re-classification has not changed the outcome.
The archer, who shoots using a perching stool, was re-classified after the Para-Archery World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, late last year, and lodged an appeal against the decision. She was re-assessed by two independent assessors at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, but the result went against her once again, and means that when the new rules come into effect on 1 April, she will no longer be eligible to shoot in Para-archery competition. Danielle will, however, still be able to shoot in able-bodied open competition, but will lose her disability funding, Archery GB has stated that she has been offered ‘transition’ funding.
Danielle Brown commented alongside Archery GB on their website, “I am obviously very disappointed with the outcome. My disability has stopped me doing so many things in my life and archery has been the one thing that gave me focus and purpose. Winning gold at London was one of the best moments in my life and now, 18 months later, it is heartbreaking to learn that I cannot defend my Paralympic title.
“I’m very grateful for the funding support I have received from UK Sport and sponsors, via Archery GB, as this has enabled me to train full time. Although I can continue to compete in able-bodied competition I still have to live with my disability and the funding support I have received as a Para-archer will come to an end, making life much more challenging. I’ve had great support from the British Athletes’ Commission and Lewis Silkin LLP during the protest process and I’m continuing to work with them to explore additional medical evidence and decide if there are grounds for an appeal to the IPC.”
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