Left-handed switch proves a winner for archer

Loosing arrows left-handed was a gold medal move for right-handed Chanel College pupil Jayden Wilton during his first national archery showdown last week.
Jayden, 13, took up a bow for the first time only seven months ago after trying his hand at a Scout Jamboree and afterwards learning of the Wairarapa Archers group that meets every Friday evening in Masterton, he said.
Wilton said at first he trained and shot right-handed until a fellow club member offered him the use of a left-handed bow to overcome his lazy right eye, for which he is meant to wear glasses.
"And I really started to shoot well."
He went on to compete with a borrowed left-handed compound bow at a regional meeting in Wellington and came away with a badge, won after surpassing a target total by 136 points while up against some adult archers.
He again borrowed the same bow for the national meeting in Auckland last week and captured a gold medal in FITA against about a dozen rivals in the same age group, and a bronze each in field and matchplay classes.
"I really didn't think I would take any medals but it felt good winning, that's for sure.
"The left-handed bow is a lot harder because the grip is different but I shoot better that way and that's cool."
Wilton has twice practised since returning from Auckland, he said, in an effort to strengthen his shoulder and hone his aim in preparation for the year of competition ahead.
His sister Courtney, 9, is now also following in his footsteps and practises archery with a left-handed bow despite still having "some catching up to do" regarding bulls-eyes and scores.
Father Neil accompanied his son to the Auckland nationals and will likely also be on hand at the next national event to be held in Cambridge at the end of the year, he said.
Mother Karen Wilton said the couple are now considering buying a left-handed bow for their son although the sport is an expensive proposition counting travel, peripheral gear and accommodation, with a new bow costing from $1600 to $3000 and arrows carrying a price tag of $30 apiece.
She said sponsorship for their son is another avenue they are considering as there are competitions happening throughout the year in the lead-up to the nationals that will also take a toll on the family budget.
She said Wairarapa Archers meet for two hours from 6pm every Friday at the Masterton Rifle Club Rooms in Cole Street and the group are always on the lookout for new members, including juniors.
n Anybody interested in sponsoring Jayden Wilton or joining Wairarapa Archers please call Neil McLaren at 372-7839.