Alum, vet vies for spot on U.S. Paralympic team
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
In the spring of 2014, Lance Thornton made a promise to himself and his family.
Regardless of how hard it would be to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, he would never stop trying.
“I want to represent the United States in archery at the Paralympics,” he said two years ago. “That’s my goal, and I’m going to work very hard to get there.”
Thornton, a Pitt State alum who lost his right arm in Iraq while serving in the U.S. Army, is now just days away from accomplishing that lofty goal.
Beginning June 23, Thornton will compete at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. He will be one of eight competitors vying for one of three spots on the U.S. Paralympic Team.
“It’s surreal,” said Thornton, who shoots his bow using an
artificial arm with a release that is triggered by Thornton’s
jawbone. “I love archery, and I love representing my country. To
have the chance to do both in Rio this summer would be a dream come
true.”
The competition in Chula Vista is the last of three Paralympic
trials in which Thornton has competed. The first, which featured 32
archers, took place in April. The top 16 finishers then advanced to
round two in May.
“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “When I got to the first trial and saw so many competitors, I got a little nervous because we had never had that many before. But I know that the only person who can beat me is myself, so I just stay focused and do what I need to do.”
While earning a spot on the U.S. Paralympic team is his ultimate
goal, Thornton said the journey itself has been rewarding and
satisfying.
“I think the main thing is how much it has meant to me as a parent,” he said. “No matter how this turns out, I can always show my kids that if you take the time and put in the effort, your dreams can come true. Even when life takes an unexpected turn, like me with my injury, you can still do anything you want if you put your whole heart into it.”
And whether or not he makes the U.S team, Thornton is a long way
from retiring his bow.
“I’m going to do this thing until I can no longer draw a bow,” he said. “I love it. It brings me great comfort and peace. So whether it’s in Rio or anywhere else, I’m going to be shooting my bow.”
READ: 2014 PittState Magazine Feature: http://bit.ly/28UwmGs
WATCH: 2014 Video Feature on Lance Thornton