30/07/2012
As the ranking stages of the archery competition got underway on Saturday, the Youth Olympic Games girls were out shooting their way to success. With a combination of 288 arrows between them were Mexico’s Mariana Avita, Chinese Taipei's Tan Ya Ting, Ukrai
Shooting in true style, Tan Ya, at just 18, ranked an impressive third out of 64 places. Though aiming for gold, the modest archer told us her performance still has room for improvement. But the secret to her success, she reveals, is treating the Olympics just like any other competition. That way, the cool-headed youngster can keep control of her nerves and keep her emotions out of the game.
Team USA’s Miranda managed to rank 14th, and she couldn’t contain her excitement: “I’ve had my hopes on being here for a very long time and now today I’ve officially shot arrows to score at the Olympic Games!”
Shooting since the tender age of five, she’s come a long way since the Youth Olympic Games two years ago: “I made a really big deal about Singapore; I was really stressed about my performance so now I’ve just learnt to relax.” Always keen to pass on her Olympic wisdom, she advises budding athletes to just keep doing what they’re doing: “It’ll come if it has to come,” she told us.
Saturday’s results saw Miranda, Tan Ya and Mariana all progress to the quarter finals with their respective teams the following day. Unfortunately, that’s where the Olympic dream ended for all three, but with solid performances from all of the YOG athletes we’re sure this is not the last we will see of these ladies.
©IOC Young Photographer Billy Rowlinson
Story by Iram Sarwar, YOG Reporter