Jason Tabansky

Started: He began the sport in 2015 after recovering from a spinal cord injury he sustained after falling during a Chinook helicopter demonstration in London, England while serving in the US Army. (worldarchery.sport, 08 Jul 2024) Reason: Originally a bow hunter prior to his accident, he was encouraged to give Para archery a try by a sport recreational therapist working for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (media.wheelchairsportsfederation.org, 19 Nov 2023) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 and 2028 Paralympic Games. (worldarchery.sport, 08 Jul 2024) Additional Info: PARIS 2024 LATE CALL-UP After Australian Para archer Christopher Davis had to withdraw from the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris due to injury, a slot became available to the next highest ranked W1 individual men's Para archer, which fell to Jason. "I was in awe and a little bit of disbelief. I immediately felt joy but at the same time I felt sad for the other athlete that can't attend. Archery has blessed me with many friends all over the world and we are friends on and off the field of play. I'm looking forward to finally getting to compete on the biggest stage for our sport. It's been a long journey [eight years] and I, along with those who have helped train and mentor me, have put in a lot of hard work into being at the top of my game and I can't wait to be able to put all that training to work. I've had a strong last year, sprinkled in with some injuries and a couple of other things that set me back." (worldarchery.sport, 08 Jul 2024; usarchery.org, 28 Jun 2024) US ARMY BACKGROUND He served almost 16 years in the US Army as a Chinook helicopter mechanic, crew member, flight instructor and engineer. He joined the army in 2001 and served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2003, and on his second deployment he spent 12 months in Taji, Republic of Iraq. (worldarchery.sport, 08 Jul 2024; Facebook profile, 29 Jun 2024; teamusa.com, 14 Apr 2024; garysinisefoundation.org, 01 Jan 2021) OTHER ACTIVITIES He serves on the board of directors as a Para archery committee member with USA Archery. He is also developing his archery coaching badges and runs archery training sessions for youth programmes in Texas, United States of America. (worldarchery.sport, 08 Jul 2024)