By Martin Morgan

Last updated 09:22, Saturday, 26 July 2008

MEDAL prospect Alan Wills leaves Cumbria on his Olympic odyssey tomorrow -with the aim of becoming the greatest archer in history.

Alan Wills: ‘The goal is to be the greatest archer’

Wills jets out to Macau, in south-east Asia, with the British archery squad, for 10 days to acclimatise before heading to Beijing and his date with destiny. And pundits reckon he is in medal contention in both the individual and team events.

“The goal through my career is to be the greatest archer ever, so that in 20 or 30 years, people are writing books about me,” he said. “This is another step towards that.

“We have as good a chance as any in the team event. If we all shoot well, there’s no reason why we can’t win a medal. I wouldn’t like to say which medal.”

The Arlecdon ace has slipped two places to fifth in the individual world rankings this year, but with his long-term shoulder problem under control, he says he is hitting top form at the right time.

“I had a bit of a slow start to the season,” he added. “In sport, you can’t be good all the time, and I’ve been trying to peak for Beijing.

“Strength-wise, I’m as good as I’ve ever been, and my shoulder’s as well as ever. Everything’s going to plan.”

Even if he picks up medals in Beijing, Wills pledged not to change his approach to life.

“I’d still go down the pub and have a few pints,” he said. “You’ve got to keep your feet on the ground.”