Achieving fourth place in the men’s double trap shooting at Rio Olympics has spurred Manx shooter Tim Kneale on to represent the island in next year’s Commonwealth Games.

However, injuries and long distance travelling to attend training sessions across the UK have made it a challenge to concentrate on qualifying for the Games where the competition is fierce.

The world-class shooter reached out to his sponsor, RL360, which gave him with a car last April to help him prepare for the competition.

The official handover of the branded BMW took place last week outside RL360 headquarters in the Isle of Man Business Park.

’The car has made a big difference. I’ve got issues with my back and it’s helped by providing 24,000 miles a year, which gets me to practise,’ said Tim.

The partnership between RL360° and Kneale began in 2015 after coming across the company’s advert while waiting in the airport.

’Monthly support for sportsmen is very expensive and I was looking for a sponsor,’ he said.

’I thought it would be great to have a Manx sponsor, to raise both our profiles.

’It’s good knowing that the support is there and that I can ask a question and come to a solution. I also do a lot of events with RL360°.

’I take the staff out shooting around three times a year, including over in Dubai.’

Angela Gregory, communications executive of marketing for RL360, says the company has enjoyed their partnership with Tim over the years.

’It’s worked fantastically and it’s exciting to be involved.

’From RL360’s point of view it’s great supporting a local competitor and promoting health and being outdoors.

’We’re an international business and to work together on international events and having Tim talk to staff is motivating.’

After breaking his leg playing for Ramsey during his teenage years, Tim chose to take a sport closely linked to his farming background, more seriously. Since the age of 16, Tim has achieved a collection of international awards, which has resulted in a large increase of funding towards shooting and a wider awareness of the island and its home talent within athletics.

’Lots of people will see that I was a little farm boy from the Isle of Man, so there’s no reason why someone on the island cannot make it internationally.’

The athlete, who was born and raised in Jurby, now resides in Somerset on the South-West of England.

His particular determination to qualify for next April’s Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast has intensified due to changes made in the next Olympics, as his specialty in double trap shooting has been removed.

Since this sport is specifically for men, the International Olympic Committee decided to drop it due to the introduction of mixed events, as part of their gender equality agenda for Tokyo 2020.

The International Shooting Sport Federation have welcomed the decision to replace double trap with trap shooting, where both men and women will compete side-by-side.

’I’m looking forward to getting back onto the international stage,’ he said.

’Hopefully I’ll get into the Commonwealth team and back to the old favourite (double trap).’