PHILLIPS David

Classification
Open (World Archery, 28 Mar 2021)

Impairment Details
He was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 1996, after he woke one morning to find he couldn't move his right leg. "I didn't know what it meant. The doctor said that I had MS so bluntly, and all I could think was, 'What's Marks and Spencer [a British supermarket brand] got to do with it?' That's how little I knew. Back then, no treatment was offered. I was just told I had it and to go away and get on with my life. It was a tough time." (Athlete, 12 Jul 2017; archerygb.org, 23 Apr 2019)

General
IMPROVED MOBILITY
He worked in the steel industry for 30 years before retiring early due to his condition. His ability to walk had been affected by the condition, but with the help of a prosthetic leg cuff, the Bioness L300 GO, which he discovered after spotting another archer wearing one at a competition, he regained confidence in his mobility. The device emits electrical pulses to stimulate unresponsive muscles, which reactivated the muscles in his leg and allowed him to lift his foot properly. "Once it was set up for my needs it was so easy to use. I just get up and go, and I don't have to worry about my foot catching something as I walk. Before, I had to think about where I was going because I wasn't confident in my walking but now I feel free to explore again, and I can enjoy more quality time with my family." (archerygb.org, 23 Apr 2019)

OTHER ACTIVITIES
He works as an ambassador for prosthetics brand Ottobock and for Wales' national multiple sclerosis foundation, MS Society Cymru. He and his wife Angie are also foster parents. (Twitter profile, 11 Mar 2020; archerygb.org, 23 Apr 2019)