Archery
Folkard strikes gold in France

LEAMINGTON archer Naomi Folkard put her Olympic Games disappointment behind her by winning two medals in the World Field Championships in Val D’Isere.

Folkard, who was among some 250 archers taking part in a stunning location on lower slopes of the Alps, won an individual bronze medal in the recurve event and then helped the three-strong British women’s team strike gold.

Following her competition in London, she stayed three additional nights in the Olympic Village where she relaxed, watching athletics, cycling, triathlon, and athletics, the highlight of which was seeing Mo Farah win gold in the 5000 metres.

Folkard left early to prepare for the World Field Championships and had four days to practise her shot sequence, get a sight tape and tune her bow for field distances.

Although unable to compete or practice field archery in the long run up to the Olympics, Folkard is an experienced field archer and holds silver and bronze medals from previous world championship events.

She shot consistently well in the ranking competition to finish fourth, behind Sophie Dodemont (France), Jessica Tomasi (Italy) and Marina Szendey (France).

In the first elimination round she finished in third place with 168, behind Dodemont 172 and Yuki Hayashi (Japan) 169.

The second elimination round saw a surprise with Elena Richter (Germany) and Zoe Gobbels (Belgium) shooting their way into first and second places respectively with 123 and 113.

Szendey held on to third place with 113 and Folkard was 4th with 112.

After leading the field up to this point Dodemont bowed out of the medal race, as did the much fancied Tomasi who was world champion in 2008.

In her semi final match Folkard faced the on form Richter in the semi-final and, although shooting very well, lost 55-51.

Folkard recovered to defeat Szendey 54-44 in the bronze medal match, while Richter went on to take gold from Gobbels in a low scoring match 48-41.

As the highest qualifying GB lady, Folkard was in the team competition, together with Tracey Anderson (compound) and Lizzy Rees (barebow).

The GB ladies’ team was ranked fifth, but shot really well with victories against Sweden (98-94) and USA (52-51) setting up a meeting with France in the final. The British girls continued their good form by running out winners 50-46 to secure the gold medal.

Meanwhile, as part of the post-Olympics, nationwide ‘Archery Big Weekend’, Royal Leamington Spa Archery Society is opening its ground at Old Leamingtonians RFC in Bericote Road on Saturday from 10am - 4pm to give anyone the opportunity of trying archery.

All equipment is provided, no experience is required and it is perfect for all the family although youngsters must be 8 years and above.

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