AN Army sergeant who won a gold medal at the Invictus Games has returned to BCoT to study.

Gavin Watson, based in Andover, was proud to represent Team GB at the 2014 Games.

Having studied photography part-time at BCoT previously, he is now returning to learn more about the web design programme Dreamweaver.

Gavin has served in the British Army for more than 15 years but had a double hip replacement in 2012.

He had always enjoyed archery as a hobby and so, when the chance to compete in the sport came up, he jumped at the chance.

“I had always enjoyed traditional archery but had the opportunity to take up recurve archery about 18 months before the Games,” he said.

“Recurve is different to compound (traditional) archery and entirely different from holding a gun, for example.

“I enjoy the fact that the dynamics, technique and skillset required is really unique.”

The 2014 Invictus Games were the first ever organised and saw 400 competitors from 13 nations take part.

Intended as an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, teams came from the armed forces of nations that have served alongside each other.

The Games aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Gavin and his team-mates successfully achieved gold in the team recurve archery.

“The Games were an inspiration,” added Gavin. “Invictus means ‘unconquerable’ and the Games are intended to make participants feel more resilient and stronger about themselves – to feel unconquerable.”

Gavin thoroughly enjoyed his previous course at BCoT and is excited to be returning to the college.

“I had a fantastic time here studying my photography course. Creative digital media is a path I may follow when I leave the military, as photography and web design have always been hobbies of mine,” he said.

Gavin and his team-mates are off to America in the coming weeks to participate in the US version of the Games.