Paralympic gold, Paralympic bronze, and now National Tour gold for Jodie Grinham in the space of two weeks.
The first of two days of nail-biting finals for the National Tour kicked off with the barebow men and the compound men and women. Our live audience who came to Nottingham’s scenic Wollaton Hall got a front row seat to witness debut finalists, Paralympic champions, and world record breakers.
Rene Bekker became the barebow men’s champion at his debut finals. He defeated the 2023 champion, Daniel Kilgallon, in the gold final 6–2 to take the win. This meant that Daniel took home the silver, and another of our debut finalists, Robert Edwards, bested second ranked Tom Williams to the bronze medal podium spot.
Barebow men's champion, Rene Bekker, in action. Credit: Malcolm Rees
The compound women’s gold final was a true showdown, with double 2024 Paralympic medallist, Jodie Grinham, facing world number one, Ella Gibson. Going into the final end, the scores were 118-117, but a 30 from Jodie in the final end to Ella’s 29 took the match to a shoot-off. The audience were on the edge of their seats as Ella and Jodie both shot identically looking Xs, and after a judge measure, Jodie was awarded the win. The bronze medal went to Patience Wood, who defeated Hallie Boulton 145-142.
Both of these women are no stranger to the finals field; Ella will be competing in this year’s World Cup Finals in October, and Jodie is fresh off the back of winning a gold mixed team and an individual bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Jon Nott, Events Manager, said: "Year on year, it's brilliant to see the National Tour grow. From spectators to athletes and the amazing team of volunteers and judges. Alongside our fantastic partners, they help make this event happen."
Tom Lane shooting in his debut Finals. Credit: Malcolm Rees
Last on the field for the afternoon session were the compound men. Tom Lane turned his debut appearance into his first Finals victory. He faced three-time National Tour champion, Adam Ravenscroft in the fight for the gold. Tom dropped his one and only point in the first end, and from then he cleaned the rest of the match to finish 149 to Adam’s 140. The bronze went to Yu Chak Ngai who defeated Jake Walsh 146-144, and not only was this his debut Finals, but also his debut on the National Tour stage circuit.
On his win, Tom said: “I can’t actually describe it. I was just happy to be here. The goal last year was to be here, and I missed out. So just to be here this year was good enough for me, but to be here is even better.”
Don't forget to tune in tomorrow to watch the barebow women and the recurve men and women' finals live on YouTube! Find all of the scores and photos from the day using the links below.
Day one results Photos Today's livestream
