Mia McGuane
“I started archery when I was 12 years old and in my second year of secondary school. I started off shooting a barebow for 6 months and have shot compound since then.
During the 2021 season and under the guidance of my new coach, Peter Dallas, I managed to achieve Junior Master Bowman status which, at the time, was the highest classification I could reach for my age. I was then invited to the Junior Masters event in September where I ranked higher than some already-GB archers, which in turn had GB looking at me.
In October 2021 I received an invite to trial for the GB Squad and was over the moon to be selected for the Development Squad. The first few months in GB were really fun and I learnt a lot. I learnt a lot of equipment skills which have helped me in the future and I am now able to set a bow up by myself and I know, when things go wrong, how to fix them. This has benefited me to be able to do things by myself and not rely on others to help.”
“I was again selected to represent GB for the World Youth Championships in Limerick in July 2023 in which I managed a finish in the top 16.
In September 2023 I was at Junior Masters. I had ranked third in the qualification round and, after two matches in head-to-heads, I was in my bronze medal match and ended up finishing third overall. I was so happy as it was my first time finishing on the podium at Junior Masters.
I was over the moon to have been selected for these opportunities this year and the Swale Youth Development Fund has helped me through it. I am very grateful for the support they have given me in achieving my dreams and the continued journey I am currently on.”
“In May 2022 I received funding to help buy my new bow…using this new equipment helped me to progress throughout the season. I got very comfy shooting my new bow and progressed throughout the season reaching GB selection scores for under-18s. I shot in my second Junior Masters where I finished fourth, just missing the podium, but this determined me to reach the podium next year.
In April 2023 I received further funding, which helped hugely with the costs towards my GB European selection for the European Youth Cup in Switzerland, which was my first international call up, and I am over the moon to have finished fifth and to have got two PBs whilst out there.”
