The good times keep rolling for Victor Conroy as he secured a silver medal in the Olympic recurve archery event in The World transplant games in Germany last week.
Conroy who underwent a double lung transplant back in 2017 delivered an inspiring performance at The World Transplant games in Germany to add another medal to his collection.
The Clonad man saw off challenges from competitors from such countries such as Colombia to Macau, along with several European countries on his way to the final only to lose out to Great Britain in the final.
A week after his heroics, Conroy took time out to speak to LaoisToday about his amazing experiences, about how proud he was with his performances along with coming second which was a once in a lifetime achievement that he will never forget who also hailed how important organ donation is.
He said: “Winning the silver medal for Ireland in Olympic recurve archery at an event as prestigious as the World Transplant Games was a once in a lifetime feeling.
“It felt like I rattled the stars and lit up the whole World at once.
“I was coming home to a sport I loved and to this day am still passionate about. It’s a beautiful sport of discipline, focus, strength, patience and relaxation.
“Before my transplant, I wasn’t sure I would ever get to shoot an arrow again, let alone compete on a World stage. It’s testament to the fact that organ donation works and allows for people like myself and many others to live out their dreams.
“Having the chance to honour my donor, their family, my Country and everyone who helped me throughout my life in terms of support, medical care and sport achieve what seemed impossible was a moment in time I will never forget.”
Although, reaching the final seemed seamless for Conroy, he did have difficulties in the final with the extreme heat and it was a huge factor.
“On the day, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The heat was in the mid 30’s and extremely difficult in terms of keeping up with hydration and preventing fatigue.
“From the start, Great Britain took an early lead and my opponent Sam put on a fantastic display of shooting.
“I did my best to make a comeback midway, catching up on points, relaxing into my form and finding my rhythm. However, by the last ends, there was a clear winner.
“I couldn’t have lost to a nicer person. We had met just the day before on a training session and the whole GB Team were outstandingly kind, welcoming and supportive.
“It’s another reason I love the games so much, the camaraderie and friends you meet and connect with along the way add so much to the experience.”
Victor went into the competition excited by his chances but taking home the silver medal exceeded all of his expectation and the achievement will always have a place in his heart
“Achieving a medal far exceeded any expectations I had going into the tournament. My main goal going into any competition is to put in the best performance I can. Once I do that, I have no regrets.
“I was very proud to contribute to the Irish Team’s array of medals achieved throughout the course of the week in a wide range of sports.
“The medals have immense meaning in terms of what they represent. They’re a symbol of hope and inspiration, helping create awareness of the life changing benefits of transplant sport and organ donation.
“If I’m lucky enough to win a competition on any level, it’s always a good feeling, however this shoot was personal and holds a special place in my heart.
“The way I see it is, have fun, lead with integrity and respect, keep doing it for the love of the sport and you win no matter what the outcome.”
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