Matt Skelhon Q & A

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Matt

Skelhon

How realistic are the shooting and gun scenes at the movies?
"Some of them aren't too bad actually. The ones I really hate are when someone gets shot and flies 10ft in the air. It's just not going to happen in real life."

What is the funniest thing you've ever seen on a shooting range?
"I was shooting in Turkey when someone further down the indoor range accidentally pulled their trigger when the gun was pointing in the air. The pellet ricocheted off a wall, then the ceiling and then hit someone in the crowd. All I could hear was ping, ping and then a loud ouch. It's OK to laugh because the spectator wasn't badly hurt."

And your best moment on the range?
"Winning gold in Beijing."

And that was just two years after you got involved in the sport?
"Yeah. I was in a car accident in 2005 and first got involved properly in the sport at the Spinal Games in 2006. I used to shoot before my accident and always wanted to take it further, but I also tried archery and wheelchair basketball."

What are you like to be around when you've lost?
"I need to be on my own for a good 15 minutes otherwise I end up having a right go at someone."

What is your nickname?
"Buzal. It's slang for mate where I come from in Peterborough and as I say it a lot it has stuck. That or Skel."

Who is your nemesis?
"There are so many tough competitors out there, but let's say Veronica Vadovicova. She's ahead of me in the world rankings."

Have you ever been heckled by the crowd?
"No. Would you heckle a man holding a loaded gun?"

What would you eat all day if you weren't an athlete?
"Steak. Medium rare."

What would you do all day if you weren't an athlete?
"I like flying radio-controlled helicopters and planes, so certainly some of that."

The X Factor or University Challenge?
"The X Factor. Perfect Saturday night telly."

Who would play you in a film of your life?
"Adam Sandler. He's funnier than me but I'd go for him."