Invictus UK Trials: Meet The Former Competitor With Paralympic Aspirations

Invictus Games 2018 medalist Dave Watson is targeting a spot at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The para-athlete won four medals at the Games in Sydney.

Now, he is aiming higher with the Paralympics or the World Championships.

He said: "I want to carry on my discus or shootout and carry on to Tokyo or the World Championships to see how far I can get. I’m training six days a week.

"I’m doing four days in the gym and two days throwing with my coach. I do that every day and must keep doing it to reach my goal."

Watson is at the Invictus Trials in Sheffield as an ambassador, but missed competing in these events.

"This is going to be completely different and hard for me this year because I’m not competing. I’m doing the ambassador role and be watching the sport thinking I could have won that.

"I’m stepping back and giving other people a go. I’ve done my bit and it is time for someone else to take the crown."

As an ambassador, his role will be different but he is taking it seriously: "You see the guys that competed last year and they think they are alright. It’s still scary and nervous coming to a new one.

"They don’t know what is going to happen but guys like me can talk to them about it and settle the nerves. It’s important for people like me and other people here today to do that."

Watson was also full of praise for the job Sheffield have done in preparation for the event.

"It’s good to spread the Invictus love. Everybody wants a piece of it.

"I’ve been asked if Birmingham can have an Invictus. That’s above my paygrade but everyone wants a piece.

"Sheffield have it this year and have gone all out. Everywhere you look, it is Invictus."