Archery Champ In The Making

KUTLOANO MANKOANE

@Ceendeey 

TWELVE-year old Wian de Klerk made history at the weekend when he became the first archer in South

Africa to shoot a full score of 300 out of a possible 300 with an Olympic recurve bow at a South African

National Archery Association sanctioned event held in the Free State.

“Wian seems to be mentally strong, with lots of talent because each player had 60 arrows to shoot. With each shot made five points were given,” said Heather Mallory, recurve archery coach.

With 60 arrows given, the record set by Wian means he scored five points for each shot he made during the championships.

“It was not easy having to concentrate so much, but I was glad when I later realised that I had shot them all.

“When I went out of the field, I ran to my mom to take my stuff and I was really excited,” said Wian. The Grade 6 Laerskool Lynnwood pupil said his dad helped him to remain calm so that he could concentrate while shooting.

“My daddy kept telling me to calm down, breathe and remember what my coach had taught me.”

Wian’s father, Vivien de Klerk’s support comes a long way because Wian was inspired by him to take up recurve archery as a sport last year.

“Before I played the sport, it was just a hobby because my dad also shoots on a regular basis. But then towards the end of last year he told me that I should take it up as a sport, more than just a hobby,” said Wian. Wian’s mother, Nelia de Klerk describes the champion in the making as a busy and energetic boy.

Wian plays hockey and cricket at school which forms a good balance, according to his coach.

“It is good that Wian plays other sports at school because it gives balance. The cardiovascular activity makes him fit to shoot well. The sport requires good composure and constant mental training,” said Mallory.

The dedicated Wian practises his arching skills two to three times a week. He practises with his dad for two

days, and one day with his coach. Even though the rare South African record is one point higher than the current World Indoor International Field Archery Association for boys under 13, it wasn’t recognised by the International Field Archery Association (IFAA). The IFAA only recognises scores shot at international IFAA-certified tournaments for the purpose of world records. Wian says if he practises enough he thinks he will break the record again in future.

“Even though it was not recorded or recognised, as a family we are proud of Wian and very happy,” said his proud mom.

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