WOMEN IN ARCHERY Q&A
Name: Shelley James
Age: 49
How long have you been doing archery? How did you get started?
I was four years old when I started shooting with my Dad, who is 77 & still shooting today. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, I had a lumpectomy then mastectomy in 2015. I only shot my bow three times in the first 8 years of fighting cancer. 2023 I found out the cancer had returned. June 2023 I picked up my bow & started shooting weekly again. September 2023 I had more breast cancer surgery & was forced to stop shooting for four weeks. In the four weeks my most amazing archery buddy Bryn would come & pick me up & keep on taking me to the archery fields so I could keep active getting out & watching what I love doing with some truly amazing people & archers. This really saved me from going into a dark space. Since then until now & until as long as I can, I shoot at least three times a week, shooting the best I ever have & still soooo much room for self improvement. I am an active member of Northern Archers of Sydney. Archery is my happy place. It really is saving my life🙏
How Many Years Have You Been Involved In Archery?
44 years
Who’s Your Local Club?
Northern Archers of Sydney
What Type of Archery Do You Shoot?
Compound
Do You Hunt?
No
Favourite Archery Memory so far?
Shooting with my Dad after his strokes & right before my breast cancer surgery.
What About Archery Appeals To You?
Everything. Nothing else exists when I’m shooting or tuning my bow.
Are Any Family Members Involved In Archery?
Yes my Dad 77 years
First and Current Bow?
Martin Jaguar
Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36🙏🏹💚
What Are Some of Your Great Achievements In Or Outside of Archery?
Self improvement every shoot. Going from a 0 to 74,6 ranking in six months of shooting.
Do You Have Any Sponsors?
No
Any Last Words or Words of Encouragement for new archers?
Archery will get you through Everything. It has saved my physical & mental health.
