When it comes to challenges, few can compare to the journey of fatherhood. Take it from Jake Roberts, a Paralympic archer who has accomplished remarkable feats with his feet, quite literally. Born without arms, Jake first picked up a bow and arrow as a child and astounded everyone by qualifying for the London 2012 Paralympics on his very first attempt. Fast forward to now, as he trains for the upcoming Paris 2024 games, he’s keen to instill in his three sons the understanding that hard work pays off.
“I was told that I wouldn’t be able to do much independently, but look at me now! I live in a hands-free home—everything is set up for me without modifications,” Jake shares. “People said I could never drive, yet here I am, driving my own car. I was told I’d never be an archer, and yet, here I am, competing. I made it to the games on my first try!”
With nearly two decades of parenting experience, Jake, who has three sons aged 19, 18, and 13, believes in leading by example. “Kids learn more from what they see than what they hear,” he explains. “I hope they embrace the mindset of ‘I can achieve anything.’
Growing up in a family of hunters, Jake has always felt at home with a bow. However, his confidence as a dad came with its own set of worries. Before his first son, Tyler, was born, Jake found himself anxious about how he would manage basic tasks. “I worried about how I’d hold the baby or change diapers,” he admits. “But once Tyler arrived, I realized all he wanted was love. The worries were all in my head.”
As Jake prepares for another Paralympic challenge, he draws inspiration from his experiences as a father. He wants to show his sons that limitations exist only in our minds. If you’re also navigating the journey of building a family, check out this insightful post on intrauterine insemination, which is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in more parenting insights, you might enjoy reading about managing nursing strikes at this authority on the topic.
In summary, Jake’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, both in archery and in parenting. He shows that overcoming challenges is possible with determination and love.