Shooter Stevan Walton still aiming for London 2012

Redditch shooter, Stevan Walton in action at the Commenwealth Games, 2006

Stevan Walton counts himself lucky to be on UK Sport's funding programme

Redditch-based shooter Stevan Walton remains determined to get to the London Olympics in 2012 despite an uncertain future ahead for British shooting.

UK Sport slashed its funding by 76% in January, which the 24-year-old double-trap shooter blames on poor results at the Beijing Games in 2008.

"We needed a medal and it never happened and it's as simple as that," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I want to go to the Olympic Games and I want to go and win."

Walton, who competed for England at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is one of only five athletes still receiving funding from UK Sport for shooting and admits he would not be able to compete without it.

"If I wasn't on funding I wouldn't be shooting, it's as simple as that," he said.

"I'm one of a lucky few. When I'm training I do get everything paid for and I get a salary when I'm shooting as well and basically, I couldn't do it without it."
The reduction in shooting's budget leaves competitors like Walton facing a difficult run up to London 2012, with few international competitions to look forward to because of costs.

I just have to be thankful I'm on the programme, thankful I'm still shooting and thankful I have a chance to go to the Olympic Games

Stevan Walton

"There are a couple of World Cups," he added. "But if there are no quota places, it costs a lot of money to go around the world.

"We will be missing out not going to the World Cups but there you go, we're just not going to go."

"Training to me is a bit monotonous, so it's hard for me to get anything out of training. Competitions put you on the edge, keep you on your toes, every one counts."

Walton, who plays rugby as a way of relaxing during the winter months, insists it is important to remain focused, and be grateful for what he has.

"You have to accept it, because all the whining in the world won't change it," he said. "I just have to be thankful I'm on the programme, thankful I'm still shooting and thankful I have a chance to go to the Olympic Games."