HE'S A BITT SPECIAL!

BANBRIDGE archer Mark Nesbitt insists his jet-set lifestyle will see him thrive in the heat of battle when he launches his Olympic odyssey in Singapore this week.

Nesbitt, 16, heads to Singapore as the only archer in a 39-strong British squad set to compete at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in the Far East.

Despite heavy rain, the mercury in the Lion City is set to rise beyond 30 degrees centigrade – handing the competitors a test of stamina as well as skill.

But after claiming double Youth Olympic Festival gold in Australia and trekking across the globe to compete, the former Lisburn College student admits the searing heat is nothing to fear.

“I haven’t prepared too differently for this because I always seem to end up shooting in hot countries anyway,” said Nesbitt, who is committed to the sport full-time.

“I think that should give me an edge because I’m so used to the heat and shooting in those conditions.

“I’ve been shooting pretty well and I obviously hope to keep that form going into these Olympic Games.

“I’m delighted to represent Team GB. I think I’m the only guy going out there from Northern Ireland and I’m really proud of that, especially because it’s for a sport that I love, so I’m really proud to be going out there to represent the team.

“I’m feeling good, shooting well recently and really looking to getting out there and competing.”

Nesbitt sealed his seat on the Great Britain plane to Singapore by finishing 20th at the World Championships in Ogden, America last year.

And after sampling what the rest of the world has to offer, the Ballyvally Archery Club member has no doubts where is main opposition will lie.

“The Koreans are very strong, South Korea in particular, and it’s just so popular out there that they really dominate the archery scene,” added Nesbitt.

“I obviously hope to do well, but archery can be a bit of a lottery sometimes considering who you come up against and how well you shoot on the day.

“You could come up against someone who might just shoot the best 12 arrows of their life, which would be unfortunate, but you’ve just got to concentrate and try your best and hopefully I’ll get through.

“I’ve been out to Hong Kong before and was really impressed by it but I’ve been hearing some amazing things about Singapore, about how clean it is and things like that, so I can’t wait to get out there.”

Meanwhile two local girls are also in Singapore representing Ireland in the girls hockey competition.

Lucy McKee and Kerri McDonald both attend Banbridge Academy. The Irish will play New Zealand and Argentina after playing Holland yesterday (Monday).

Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012

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