Bouncer gave Notts the el bow to become Spain’s Robin Hood
LEE IS NOW GALICIAN ARCHERY CHAMP AFTER TAKING UP SPORT 3 YEARS AGO
A FORMER bouncer at a Nottingham nightclub has been dubbed the Spanish Robin Hood for his archery exploits.
Lee Ramsdale used to work the doors at the Lizard Lounge, but since moving to Galicia in Spain has become a top archer.
The 45-year-old, who lived in Sneinton, finished fourth in the Spanish national archery championships, competing against 260 other entrants.
Remarkably, he only picked up the bow three years ago.
“Archery was always something that interested me but I never had time in England,” he said.
“When I moved out here and saw a second-hand bow for sale around Christmas time, I thought I’d give it a try.”
Lee’s exploits led to him being dubbed the Spanish Robin Hood by his local Spanish newspaper.
Lee said: “Going in I didn’t know anybody but since the competition, the guy who won gold got in touch and congratulated me on a great shoot, then I realised he was a three-time Spanish champion and has a world ranking.
“So, after that bittersweet feeling of missing out on a podium spot, him ringing me up was a real boost.”
Lee, who is the Galician champion, previously secured third place in the nationals and is now aiming for next year’s World Championships in Can- ada.
He said: “I want to take it as far as I can.”
He moved to Spain with his girlfriend, Roo Parker, 40, in 2007.
He had set his sights on becoming a professional boxer and took on a job as a supervisor at Renaissance then later moved to the Lizard Lounge.
Lee then moved ino the construction business and moved to Spain, where he had a holiday home, to do building work for expats.
He and his girlfriend have a sevenyear-old son, Clay-anxo Ramsdale.
Roo told the Post: “Archery started as a random hobby for Lee but he is doing very well. I’m very proud of him. He’s moving up a level and we are looking for sponsors.
“They have taken their time getting their head round an English guy competing in a Galician championship.
“It fits for Lee because he is super focused. He has good concentration and he is very patient.”
Lee said: “My dad, who is 67, now competes and I’m also trying to get my son to compete but I don’t want to push him too hard. He does enjoy getting his bow out, especially when he has friends round.”
Lee recently opened a furniture shop, which is allowing him to keep a link with the East Midlands.
“I’ve started getting back in touch with people I used to work with and actually bringing my furniture back,” he said.