This was the second indoor competition in 2 weeks, a new record of travelling to shoots during the winter. Qualifying went ok, shooting was a bit spas-modic at times, but managed to get into the groove in the second 30 arrows to make a 578. Finished 2nd, and then felt pretty knackered for the rest of the day. Shooting got better as I warmed up more throughout the afternoon matches. Shot 114, 117, 116, 115 and then 117 in the final to win. So all in all, a good days work. Still a few patchy areas, but its getting there. Next stop Euro indoors in Turin!
T

Its not often I find myself in shorts and a T-shirts during the middle of winter, but this was the case when I went to Australia for 2 weeks for an invitational event in January. The first part of our time their was spent training at the AIS center in Canberra. After 5 days of REALLY Intense strenuous work, we were ready for the main event. Unfortunately, the qualification did not go too well, and I struggled technically on the 2nd half of the 720 round. Shot a poor 628, and finished 36th. The next day went alot better though and I was very unlucky to lose in the first round 112 - 109. Finished as the highest loser, in 33rd place. I also earned a trip to Dominican republic in April, which is the next big event in my diary.
As a whole, the team did not fair too good, but we now know whats got to be done for our preparation for the Olympics. The first selection shoot is in March, so the refining stage of my outdoor shooting is now underway.
Im also going to get about and do a few more indoor shoots, as Ive got some serious work to do at 18m before the European indoors.
See you around,
T

Its been a while since the last blog, so heres a little catch up of how things have been going -
I finished the outdoor season at Lilleshalls double fita in September, and that one was a bit of a let-down again. At that point, I felt pretty hacked off and disappointed that I hadnt done myself justice in the last 5 months, but I slowly came to terms with it and by beginning of October, I was ready to do something about it. I recognised my problem(s) and am now on the right track to sorting myself out. I still have alot to do, but I already feel stronger and more capable.
In November my National squads started, and they have been beneficial (although a bit limited as we have only been able to shoot up to 18m so far), more so on the technical and physchological side of things.
As far as indoor competitions go, I have only done 2; Hawks fita 18s and a nice jolly club match at Thorpe Hamlet against St. Dunstans (what a great bunch). Fita 18 was ok, barring a miss which dragged me down into the 560s.
So in reflection now, it has still been a good year in which I have progressed ok. Yes there were dissappointments, but I will be honest and say that I would have taken what I have done this year 18 months ago.
With a more positive mindset, I am feeling content going into the new year, and I am very much looking forward to the challenges that 2008 brings. The international season begins very early, as I go off with the Olympic squad to Australia for training/competition in January. Il let you know how that goes, and also how the indoor selection shoot went.

In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year in 2008!

Catch you later,
T

(Piccy is a nice seasonal shot taken last winter. For the record, Its alot bloody colder this year!!)

Well domestically it is probably ;) Norfolk Fita weekend this year brought great weather, if a little chilly in the mornings, but absolutely fantastic in the afternoon. A pity then that no one really took advantage of it! A technically poor performance from me meant a dissapointing 1261 and way behind "Eyeball Peart" after the first day. Sunday was a little better but still uninspiring at 1283, and not enough to claw back EPs lead.
Well done to everyone involved with helping the event run smoothly and big thanks to Dave Long for organising it.
2 Events left this year (possibly 3?), and I feel I must find some inspiration so as I can put in a storming finish. This next week I shall find it and I vow to focus like a man possesed from now until the end of September. No more mistakes! No more wasted oppurtunities!

Well it was a long week, staying in the hotel "The Grand Burstin" which was packed with old people and stank of smoke. A good job that the field was good then, and a job well done by Kieran, Greg and Graham who helped in setting it up.
The week went ok for me - no disasters, but no flashes of brilliance either. Qualified in 27th, but then hit a brick wall in the form of Michael "The eye" Peart. Lost to him (on purpose of course) on the score of 106 to 104 and finished 34th overall.
Oh well, hopefully I will get another chance next year.
It was however, a hugely successful event for the British team, as we picked up 6 medals I think. Congrats also to Dangermouse Alan Wills who booked himself a ticket to the grand final in Dubai later this year. Good luck there Willy!
I really enjoyed the fantastic experience I was lucky enough to get and thanks to everyone who helped the event happen on the day.
T

Finished with a bang in Lviv, Ukraine where the last European junior cup leg was held. A clean sweep for me, qualifying 1st and retaining my position after the Olympic round.
The next day me, Eddie (or "Dwaro" Spouge as he was called the whole week by the organisers) and Glen ("Den" Croft - idiots!) won the team gold! Good effort lads, and a sure mark of the effort we put in during them cold winter months!!
Finally, I won the overall European cup circuit for the Junior recurve men, which also effectively gave me a European number 1. ranking. So in hindsight, its been a good year... And Im not talking about the tyre Glen and Eddie ;)
But its not over yet for me - I have the world cup event down at Dover in about 6 days time. Should be really good and Il let you know how I get on. T

Well got back yesterday, and ended up 2nd best with another silver! It was a great experience shooting in the finals however, unlike anything I have ever encountered. Well done to a certain Mr. Matt Arnold and the compound cadet men team who both joined me on the second level of the podium. Superb results for them, and many from GBR were unfortunate and deserved better than they got with great perfomances. Thanks to all the guys on the team, was a thouroughly enjoyable week and a pleasure to be a part of. As for me, the next stop is Ukraine for the last junior cup, and then off down to the Dover coast for the world cup event a week after. Will let you know how I get on in both of those.
T

Its been a while since my last blog and a lot has happened recently, such as the UK masters. I shot badly on the first day (637 for a 720, was in 5th), but pulled it back a bit in the H2H matches (finished 3rd after that). On the sunday, I shot below par again, but still ended up with 1280 after a good comeback at 30m. Finished 5th in that round and 4th overall, behind Mikey P, Alan W, and Simon T. Well done to those guys, especially to Al who broke 720 record (673!!!).

Tomorrow I fly off to Portugal for the European champs. Im feeling pretty good and we will see how it goes. Will let you know how we all get on.

T

Have just returned from a successfull trip, the first junior international of the year. In the junior recurve men division, I won an individual silver medal, and with the team a bronze to add to that. A big well done to my team mates Glen, John G and Matt C, for whom it was a first international experience. Not bad to make your debut with a medal, ey Matt? A thouroughly enjoyable time, and thanks to all GBR team members for making it so. Next stop Portugal....

Was this last weekend and it went ok for me. A bit breezy in parts and cold for most of the weekend but still manageable. Qualified to go to the European junior championships and shot 2 new national records along the way, including a 12 arrow pass of 115. Am glad to be going and good luck to those who are going with me.