Archer with vision impairment aims for the top

James Griffiths is redefining what's possible in archery, drawing his bow and aiming at targets he cannot see. A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes cost him significant vision, but it hasn't diminished his determination. Now, he uses touch, sound, and trust to guide his shots, proving that disability does not equate to inability.

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When they say you can't do this and you can't do that, I will prove people wrong.

Griffiths discovered his passion for archery through a "come and try" event organized by Gippsland Disability Advocacy Incorporated. He found a unique challenge in the sport, stating, "I can shoot at a target I can't see, and the only person I'm competing against is myself." This personal drive fuels his ambition to challenge perceptions, particularly the notion that "blind people aren't supposed to do this."

His technique involves using his cane to understand the range and a tactile sight on the back of his hand. He also wears blackout glasses to ensure a level playing field for all vision-impaired competitors. After each shot, his support worker uses a spotting scope, relaying the arrow's position like "time" on a clock face, allowing Griffiths to build a mental picture and adjust his aim.

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I can shoot at a target I can't see, and the only person I'm competing against is myself.

Peter Bennett, president of Twin City Archers, where Griffiths trains, describes him as a tenacious athlete. He notes the unique challenge of aiming without a direct visual connection to the target, emphasizing the reliance on auditory cues and assistance. While vision-impaired archery is a growing sport with only a dozen or so competitors nationally, Griffiths is pushing its boundaries, training for the World Archery Para Championships and aspiring to compete in the Paralympics should VI archery be added.

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The challenge is you've got no relationship to the target. So he's got to feel for it and listen to the people around him that are helping him get there.