Tim Kneale was the island’s only medallist at this years Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but he is is unsure what the future holds.

The Manx shooter is the first Manxman to win two Commonwealth medals, adding to his world record, silver medal world championship and finishing fourth in the 2016 Olympics.

Tim said: ’I’m very proud to be able to achieve that but at the same time, great to get us on the medal table and get the coverage that we did, but its’ a pity we didn’t get more.

’We had some great results, the team did really well with lots of personal bests and island records.

’Charlotte Atkinson was so close to medalling. I think the island just seems to be on the verge of breaking into the multiple medal level.

’Once some of them get a bit more experience in that environment, the team will only improve.

’I’ve been to four of these events and you get used to competing and executing your skill under that pressure and exposure.’

He formed part of the Manx shooting contingent for the games, which included four shotgun and two rifle shooters. He said while they often compete at different parts of the venue, the team had all supported each other.

Tim got into shooting at the Ayres club because of his dad and uncle, but took it up seriously only when he broke his leg while playing rugby, having been Ramsey Grammar School captain, played for Ramsey and captained one of the island junior teams.

Tim said: ’From a Commonwealth Games programme, there are more opportunities to push on, the standard worldwide is being more elite, so we perhaps need to increase that on the island.

’We have great provisions for all ages, maybe we just need a bit more streamlined effort to concentrate on performance based approach to win medals.’

While on the island, Tim has taken his medals into some primary schools including Jurby, Andreas, Dhoon and Ballaugh where he said the children were excited to see the medals and hear more about the commonwealth games.

However, with Birmingham taking on the 2022 Commonwealth Games and dropping all shooting events as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics dropping his specific event, he is now having to consider what to do next.

Tim said: ’I’m trying to transition to Olympic Trap, I lost funding because I didn’t hit the targets I was set, but that’s sport.’

He added: ’At the minute I’m making an assessment of where I am.’

’I’ve had a long career and travelled the world competed in an Olympic final and set a world record.

’I’m just weighing it up as to whether I want to commit again. But something to aim for.’

He concluded by thanking his sponsors RL360, his family and partner Amy and Isle of Man Sport.