YOUNGER members of Sherwood Archery Club were among the country’s best at the 2025 Youth Australian Archery Championships in Canberra over the Easter weekend.
Competitors ranged from 12 to 20-years-old and participated across various categories, including Olympic Recurve, Compound, and Barebow disciplines.
Among the talented athletes were local siblings Kye and Maddy Lockyer, alongside Olivia Ross, who represented their community with skill and determination.
Kye continued his impressive streak, claiming three gold medals and one silver.
“[It was] an exceptional follow-up to his four-gold victory in 2024”, Sherwood Archery coach and sponsor Troy O’Doherty told News Of The Area.
Maddy encountered fierce competition in her new Under 18 compound division, making for an intense battle across all four events.
Meanwhile, Olivia Ross competed in the highly contested Under 16 women’s Olympic Recurve division, where numerous aspiring Olympians were vying for spots on Australian teams bound for international tournaments such as the Trans-Tasman event and the World Youth Championships in Canada.
“Maddy and Olivia impressed with their sportsmanship and continued effort.”
The young archers are now focusing on field archery, with the upcoming South Queensland State Field Championships in Lismore on 17–18 May, followed by the NSW State Field event in Newcastle on 31 May – 1 June.
“This outdoor discipline requires precision across 24 targets set in a cross-country environment, a bit like golf.”
July will bring the National and State Indoor Championships, with a round hosted at the Coffs Harbour club.
This event will unite local youth competitors with experienced archers, including Penny, Troy, and Seton O’Doherty, who showcased their talents in Las Vegas in March at the world’s largest indoor archery tournament.
That event saw 5500 archers competing in the Paris and Horseshoe Casino grand ballrooms over four days.
Troy said, “With back-to-back competitions lined up, Australia’s young archers are in for a thrilling and demanding season ahead, testing their skills in diverse settings that will shape their future in the sport.”
By Andrea FERRARI
