TyneMet’s Alex Wise is on target to achieve great things in Archery, including competing in the European Championships in Vittel, France, with the GB Archery Squad.
Alex, 16, from High Heaton, has been practising and competing in archery for the past two years and has achieved so much in such a short time.
When Alex was first starting out, he had a lot of nerves and didn’t have the confidence, but after competing for a while, Alex realised that even if you start with a bad start, it doesn’t affect your final score and his confidence grew.
Practising and training 6 days a week for 4 hours a day has allowed Alex to become an archery force to be reckoned with. He recently competed in the Portsmouth round of archery which resulted in Alex getting the National Record with an impressive 595/600.
Alex, Level 3 Sports Science student, said: “My ultimate goal in archery is to win an Olympic Gold and this is what drives me forward and gives me the motivation I need.
“When I train, I do a lot of different drills, but the one I find helps me the most is reversals. I add more weight when I shoot to get used to a heavier bow and arrow, which allows me to get used to a lighter weight, making it easier for me to shoot.”
The interest of archery derived from a family holiday, where Alex tried it out and enjoyed it, so after going home and doing his research, decided to get involved and play on a competitive level.
Chris Wall, Deputy Head of the North East Sports Academy said: “Alex is an extremely talented Archery player and trains extremely hard, but he doesn’t let it affect his studies. As a College and a Sports Academy we will do everything we can to support Alex, with any opportunities that are presented to him in able for him to move onto the next level of competition.”
Alex added: “For anyone wanting to start any sport, I’d say take as much help as you can and don’t slack. You’ve got to be prepared to work hard if you want to succeed!”
For more information about Sport courses at TyneMet College visit www.tynemet.ac.uk/sport call 0191 229 5000, or email enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk