Chasing Arrows in Clwyd: A PB at the Welsh Whit Western

Sunday saw me heading out to Clwyd Archers for the “Welsh Whit Western” and what a day it turned out to be. A classic mix of Welsh optimism and meteorological suspense. The forecast teased rain all week, and while the clouds hovered like they meant business, they kindly held off. Instead, we got patchy sun and enough blustery wind to keep things “interesting”.

The round itself? Western distance scoring. Long, deliberate shots, repeated with enough arrows to leave a definite imprint on your shoulders and your memory.

But here’s the headline: I hit a personal best of 814 and this one felt earned. Every arrow was a contest, especially as the wind decided to whip across the field like an invisible prankster. It wasn’t aggressive, but it was cheeky enough to push you off course if your focus wavered.

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding your rhythm in those conditions. My setup did its job, and more importantly, I stayed present, aiming off, focussing, maintaining my shot process, and letting the bow do what it’s built for.

Huge credit to Clwyd Archers, too. The shoot was smoothly run, friendly, and had exactly the kind of welcoming atmosphere you hope for when you rock up at an open round. Banter on the line, quick-witted scoring jokes, and a field full of people quietly rooting for each other, it reminds you why archery isn’t just about numbers on a target.

Pushing for Progress – With a Little Help

Hitting a PB like this is a brilliant reminder of how far I’ve come, not just in archery, but in my journey since becoming a wheelchair user. Archery has given me focus, community, and a sport where precision matters more than how far I can walk.

But to keep chasing those scores and attending competitions like this, I need a wheelchair that can keep up with me.

If you’ve enjoyed following my journey or feel inspired by what sport and stubbornness can achieve, please consider supporting my GoFundMe campaign. Every donation goes towards getting a wheelchair that will allow me to train, travel, and compete with greater independence and efficiency.

Whether you chip in or just share the link, it genuinely helps me keep rolling, towards targets, toward tournaments, and toward the next personal best.

Thanks as always for reading, supporting, and being part of this journey.