After wining a silver medal at the African Youth Games, UP Tuks archer Wian Roux is hungry for more, as he competes at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.
In preparation for the Games, the confident archer has just returned from Lausanne, Switzerland where he trained at the Archery Academy of Excellence for 10 days.
He estimates he must have shot at least 3 800 arrows under the supervision of a former Spanish Olympian medallist, and a Korean coach who medalled at the Junior World Championships.
‘We trained for about four to five hours each day,’ said the Grade 10 pupil from Hoërskool Menlopark.
‘It really helped to have such experienced coaches on hand who are able to point out when you’ve made a mistake immediately. They also continually gave us tips on the do’s and don’ts of competing in a major competition. Getting to learn from the best helped me to believe in my abilities.
‘I’m certainly not going to Argentina just to make up the numbers. If I can keep my cool and remain focused I could be in contention to medal. Archery is all about confidence. You are bound to shoot one or two bad arrows. The secret is not to let it get to you. If you do it’s game over,’ Roux added.
Roux is of the opinion that if it wasn’t for one bad shot at the African Youth Games in Algiers, he would have won the gold medal.
‘With one round to go in the final the score was level at 4-all. Unfortunately, my aim was slightly off with one arrow and that cost me big time. I had to settle for the silver,’ said Roux.
PHOTO: Roux focusing on a target by Reg Caldecott
