To round off the week, here are our favourite compound archers ahead of the 2022 National Tour season!
We've had a look at the youth and recurve archers, now it is time for the favourite compound archers for the 2022 National Tour season!
Ella has been tearing it up for the past few years, but has ramped it up another level this year. Winning her first World Cup stage and European records. But how does she feel about the domestic national circuit?
How do you feel ahead of the 2022 season?
"I'm really looking forward to starting the National Tour season. It'll be great to get back to normal and have large events again."
How does this season feel, compared to previous ones?
"This season is a little different for me from the last few simply because of how busy it is. I have a 15 week solid period of competing so it will both be tiring but also amazing to get into a rhythm with them."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"I'd love to be able to top qualify and win each event like last year. But I know realistically that's asking for a lot. The margins are so small in this game so you can never guarantee that win. Instead, I'll aim for a good performance at each and a podium in all."
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the National Tour scene?
"My advice for any newcomers to the National Tour is just to enjoy it as much as you can. Get advice from people around you. It's a great time to be surround by those you can learn from so use it. Oh, and don't forget a tent and umbrella, it is the UK after all!
Izzy Carpenter is no stranger to the National Tour Final. She also competes on the GBR compound women's team. How does she feel ahead of the season?
How do you feel ahead of the 2022 season?
"I'm really looking forward to this year's National Tour. It's very exciting to be back to having six stages again since COVID."
How does this season feel, compared to previous ones?
"I feel much more confident in my abilities going into this season's shoots. I've made some positive changes with my technique and equipment since last year. And I can't wait to put them to the test under competition conditions."
Which is your favourite stage and why?
"I'm especially excited for the National tour stage at Barnsley. It is my home club. And we had such a fun day hosting last year and getting to shoot."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"Last year, I made the podium three times, narrowly missing out on getting a gold. So this year I really want to earn myself a gold medal. I also want to make the National Tour finals again. It would be my fifth year making the top 8."
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the National Tour scene?
"I think the best thing that anyone can do who is new to the National Tours is to talk to people. We're lucky to be a part of such a welcoming sport. And your target mates would gladly offer some guidance and help if you need it."
Coming back from a back injury, Stuart Taylor has his sights sent firmly on the National Tour Final. Having had a strong winter season of training hard, it is clear Stuart's training is paying off with results already. But, how does he feel going into this season?
How do you feel ahead of the 2022 season?
"Last year I missed half the season due to a back injury. So I ended up with a very disappointing final ranking because the season was so short."
How does this season feel, compared to previous ones?
"This year it's really on. I'm hoping to finally put together a few performances I'm capable of! The Tour is always so well run! It's great that we've got a leg in Scotland again. I think Phoebe and I are going to extend our stay there a little and fit a couple of days holiday in!"
Which is your favourite stage and why?
"I'm looking forward to every stage of the National Tour this year. They're more important than ever with next years' team selections relying a lot more on these performances."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"I'm definitely looking to be at the National Tour Finals this year. That's my minimum goal. Obviously I'm aiming to take the overall win though. I'd be doing myself a disservice if I weren't aiming for that, I think."
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the National Tour scene?
"If you're new to the National Tour stages, congratulations! These shoots are the biggest in the country and the attract the best archers around. There's no better way of learning to deal with competition pressure than at these events. It's important to come into them with clear and achievable goals and your main intention should be to learn. Your shot and your mentality can change a lot at shoots like these. So come in to them like you're studying how you react to these situations. Take any lessons you can to help adapt better in the future. Especially if you're going to come back intending to win a tour stage one day!"
Adam Carpenter has won the past two National Tour Finals, can he make it a third on the bounce? He is no stranger to a Finals field and is a very strong contender again this year! He told us how he is feeling:
How do you feel ahead of the 2022 season?
"I am really looking forward to the National Tour season ahead, I feel prepared and ready for it!"
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"My goal is to win three times in a row, that would be pretty wicked!"
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the National Tour scene?
"My advice for newcomers is to just go for it and get entered in! The National Tour is no different to any other WA720. You just get to shoot with lots of new people and you get to make more friends from it!"
The 2022 National Tour will be hosted by clubs around the UK and scores will be live through Ianseo throughout the year.
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