Tim Kneale’s fourth place finish at the Rio Olympics this week marked another outstanding milestone in a distinguished sporting career.
The Isle of Man clay target shooter had already set the World Record in his specialist double trap event, won a silver medal at the World Championships and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He took this impressive pedigree into the Olympic Shooting Centre on Wednesday where he performed brilliantly before being edged out for the bronze medal by Great Britain team-mate Steven Scott.
Among those taking a keen interest in Tim’s valiant bid for Olympic success were members of the team at Isle of Man Sport Aid, the charitable arm of Isle of Man Sport established to nurture up-and-coming local talent.
Isle of Man Sport Aid has supported the reigning Isle of Man Sportsman of the Year since 2002, helping him to develop from a promising young shooter into one of the leading competitors in the world.
Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine explained:
‘When I first met Tim in 2004 I was immediately impressed with his quiet yet determined attitude and willingness to learn and try new ideas. His has been a long and sometimes difficult journey, but his enthusiasm and belief in himself has never wavered. It has been an absolute delight to help him.’
He added:
‘We were all cheering him on during the double trap event in Rio and are so proud of his achievement and the fact that he produced another top-class performance on the biggest stage of all. We believe this is the highest placing by a Manx competitor in an individual event at an Olympic Games.’
Although Tim was offered access to the English Institute of Sport, he continued to work with the team at the Isle of Man Sport Institute during his build up to the Olympics. In particular physiotherapist Ruth Cooil and Strength and Conditioning coach Trevor Christian provided extensive help and support. This included visiting Tim at his training ground in Hertfordshire last year to see first-hand the demands of his sport.’
Chairman of Isle of Man Sport Aid Sarah Corlett said:
‘A couple of years ago Tim asked if we would help him to acquire a new type of gun that he felt was necessary to take him to the next level. We were delighted to do this for him and he has more than repaid us. Since he started using the new gun he has won a silver medal at the World Championship and finished fourth in the European Championships and now fourth at the Olympics too. We are exceptionally proud of how he performed in Rio.’
Sports Minister Tim Crookall MLC also added his congratulations to Tim on behalf of the Government and people of the Isle of Man.
He said:
‘Tim’s performance in Rio is further evidence of the amazing depth of sporting talent we have in the Isle of Man. I know that to even reach the Olympics has involved many years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment. I am sure that everybody connected with the Isle of Man’s sporting community, and within the sport of shooting in particular, is delighted for Tim and extremely proud of his achievement.’
