Airgun champion hits bullseye in New Year Honours List

Time Well Spent January 3, 2025

Matthew Gleaves, a 55-year-old civil servant from Darlington, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2025 New Year Honours list for his outstanding contributions to disability representation in sport, particularly in the field of benchrest air rifle shooting. This recognition not only celebrates Gleaves’ personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on the inclusive nature of shooting sports and their potential to empower individuals with disabilities.

Gleaves’ journey in the world of benchrest air rifle shooting is nothing short of inspirational. Despite facing significant challenges as a wheelchair user, he has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the sport. His unwavering dedication and focus have propelled him to the top of his field, earning him the title of current UK Benchrest rifle champion.

A champion’s rise

Matthew’s path to success has been marked by determination and a passion for the sport. He decided to take 25m air rifle benchrest seriously three years ago, joining Benchrest UK and competing on their UK tour. Since then, he has been living what he calls the “airgun dream,” consistently improving his skills and achieving remarkable results.

His recent accomplishments include:

• Winning the Heavy Varmint Class Air Rifle at the PSC Spring Open Shoot in Portishead
• Securing second place in the Light Varmint Air Rifle class
• Emerging victorious in all air rifle events at the Glevum Benchrest Open in Gloucester

Perhaps his most significant achievement to date came when he clinched the title of British Air Rifle Benchrest Champion. At the National Benchrest Championships in Derby, Gleaves scored an impressive 1476 out of a possible 1500, beating current European and former World Champions.

Advocacy and inspiration

Beyond his competitive success, Matthew has become a vocal advocate for disabled athletes, using his platform to champion their cause and foster a sense of belonging within the shooting community. His efforts have not only raised awareness but have also paved the way for greater participation and representation among individuals with disabilities.

Gleaves has leveraged his social media presence, particularly through his YouTube channel “AirAbility,” to promote inclusivity in the UK airgun community. He regularly shares his experiences, offers tips and showcases the accessibility of outdoor and benchrest shooting.

Impact on shooting sports

Matthew’s recognition in the New Year Honours list is a significant milestone, not only for himself, but also for the shooting sports community. It highlights the inclusive nature of disciplines like benchrest air rifle shooting, where individuals with disabilities can compete on an equal playing-field with able-bodied athletes.

This honour is expected to have several positive impacts on shooting sports

1. Increased visibility: The award brings much-needed attention to adaptive shooting sports, potentially attracting more participants and supporters.
2. Inspiration for others: Gleaves’ success story serves as an inspiration for other individuals with disabilities who may be considering taking up shooting sports.
3. Breaking stereotypes: His achievements challenge preconceptions about the capabilities of disabled athletes in precision sports.
4. Promoting inclusivity: The recognition underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments in all sporting disciplines.
5. Encouraging investment: Increased attention has the potential to lead to more funding and resources being allocated to adaptive shooting programs.

A bright future for adaptive shooting

Matthew Gleaves’ BEM is not just a personal accolade; it represents a broader recognition of the value and potential of adaptive shooting sports. As he continues to compete, advocate and inspire, the future looks bright for inclusivity in shooting disciplines.

The shooting sports community has rallied behind Gleaves, with many seeing his honour as a victory for the entire shooting movement. His success story demonstrates that with the right support, determination and passion, individuals with disabilities can achieve excellence in competitive shooting.

Matthew Gleaves’ journey from a passionate air gunner to a British Empire Medal recipient is a testament to the power of perseverance and the inclusive nature of shooting sports. His achievements and advocacy work have not only earned him personal accolades but have also opened doors for countless others who may have previously felt excluded from competitive sports.

As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we look forward to seeing how Gleaves’ influence will continue to shape the future of adaptive shooting sports. His story serves as a powerful reminder that sport has the ability to transcend physical limitations, bringing people together in the pursuit of excellence and shared passion.

The shooting sports community can take pride in this moment, knowing that it represents a significant step forward in the journey towards greater inclusivity and representation. Matthew Gleaves’ British Empire Medal is more than a personal triumph; it’s a victory for every individual who has ever dreamed of competing, regardless of their physical abilities.