SOUTHAMPTON’S Declan O’Halloran struggled to find the right words after helping Great Britain win team bronze in the novice open archery event at the first ever Invictus Games.

The 25-year-old, part of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, turned to archery this year and his involvement in the sport has snowballed ever since.

He completed his archery leader course in February before trying out for the British team for the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover and championed by Prince Harry.

O’Halloran played a key role in GB coming from behind to beat Italy in a shoot-out in the novice open bronze medal play-off at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

And he believes archery has helped go some way to replicating the adrenalin rush of the army.

“I was elated just to get on the team and, having won bronze. I can’t describe the feeling – it’s just absolutely amazing,” O’Halloran said.

“Archery is quite similar to shooting a rifle and you get that adrenaline rush and it’s technical – the slightest movement can be the difference between a ten and a nine.

“I like the fact that it helps release some of your anger because sometimes you do feel angry at the world that you have been injured.

“Archery is great because it can be physically demanding or not and that’s the best thing because no matter what your injury, you can adapt and do it still.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable. The crowd were fantastic and it was their support that got us through and helped us win the bronze”

O’Halloran, who will receive a medical discharge from the army next month, insists he will continue with archery on his return from an around the world trip.

“Don’t think you can’t do anything,” he said. “It’s there if you go out and ask your local club or get in touch with Help for Heroes – they will get you out there. No matter what your injury is, they will find a way for you to compete and do archery or any other sport.”

Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be the presenting partner of the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. For more information visit jaguar.com and www.landrover.com.