Paralympic archer Kenny Allen, from Wymondham, admits his London 2012 preparations couldn't be going better – but that doesn't mean he's about to make any bold gold medal predictions.

Allen only took up archery in 2006 when he grew tired of fishing but has been a revelation on the global stage since finishing seventh in the recurve at the World Championships in 2009, writes Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat.

The 41-year-old – a former Wymondham High School pupil – further enhanced his potential this year with double European Championship silver in France.

Such heroics mean Allen will start 2011 fifth in the world rankings and a real contender to be on the podium in the capital a year later.

However, while acknowledging that he has taken to his new sporting love like a fish to water, Allen is adamant he is no shoo-in to be on the Paralympic podium.

'Everything has gone quite well since I started in the sport but even your place in the British team is never secure, you can't rest on your laurels,' said Allen – who was speaking at a Team 2012, presented by Visa, athlete summit held at the British Olympic Association headquarters in London on Wednesday.

'I am one of these people who doesn't take things for granted because if you get complacent then people start catching up very, very quickly. I have been working hard and training hard and each year I am improving in terms of my finishing positions at major championships.

'I am not going to say there is no reason why I shouldn't finish on the podium but I have got every chance, just like the next person.

'There is a nice bit of momentum building up for me, which is nice in terms of London 2012, and if I can keep that momentum going then that will be a great.'

London 2012 would be Allen's first taste of the Paralympic experience but before he can dream of events in the capital he is gearing up for next year's World Championships in Italy.

And the Wymondham archer admits he is taking it one step at a time in his London medal hunt.

He said: 'I am not taking my selection for granted at all for the world champs.

'But if I can get there it would be great to improve on the seventh I got last time. That would mean that I am still going in the right direction ahead of London 2012.

'In an ideal world, I'd be looking to get on the podium at the world champs. That would be a huge step forward for me and would show improvement and I can then build on that for London.'

n Visa is proud to be Presenting Partner of Team 2012, a team of 1,200 athletes across the UK who are aiming to compete at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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