Jean-Pierre Antonios

Started: He took up Para archery in 2000 at age 35 at a rehabilitation centre in Helsinki, Finland. "In 2002 I got my own bow and at that point I was sure that this is my sport." (Athlete, 28 Aug 2024, 14 Jul 2016; ts.fi, 14 May 2005) Reason: He was introduced to Para archery during his rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. He was then encouraged to pursue the sport by the chairman of the Finnish Sports Association of Persons with Disabilities. "After a few shots, he took my contact information and said I was eligible. That's how it started. I wanted to adapt to new hobbies after my injury." (Athlete, 28 Aug 2024; suomentahdet.fi, 2011; ts.fi, 14 May 2005) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, and compete at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. (paralympia.fi, 12 Apr 2024: Athlete, 28 Aug 2024) Additional Info: FROM LEBANON TO FINLAND Born in Kuwait, he moved to Lebanon at age two in 1967. In 1990 he left Lebanon to move to Finland, and he gained Finnish citizenship in 1998. (paralympia.fi, 11 Mar 2024; iltalehti.fi, 10 Sep 2016; ts.fi, 14 May 2005) OCCUPATION He has worked as an interpreter and is fluent in Arabic, English and Finnish. (iltalehti.fi, 10 Sep 2016; Athlete, 14 Jul 2016; ts.fi, 14 May 2005)