Quicks Team Shooter - Christine Burdett Clark

More on Occupation
I am disabled weelchair archer and can't work or drive. I have carers who help me get to the range to shoot. I have an 18-year girl and a 14 year old son. My husband is a professional commercial and events photographer. Plus I have a 3 year old Sprocker Spaniel as my trainer assistance dog. Shen not shooting or family duties I am helping archery gb and coaching. I love helping others and as a retired HLTA love helping others, especially visible and non-visable disabled archers. My goal is to become a disability ambassador of the sport to help people join archery and stay in the sport too. A friendly face to contact about archery. I love reading and currently reading. I strongly bet there is always more to learn and grow.

How did you get into archery?
I started shooting in January 6 weeks before I turned 43 from my wheelchair though my health was stronger then and I could drive. Then on my 43 birthday did my first competition with a compound, came second and totally fell in love with sport from my wheelchair. In 2019 I had to withdraw due to a heart operation, then other other procedures and operations. Then Covid blipped the whole world. When I returned I completed my level 1 session coach course, completely from my wheelchair which was now a permanent feature. I was then dealt another blow to my archery hopes about 7 months ago I got told I shouldn't shoot compound anymore due several breaks in my neck and back. Sadly the compound was causing me more damage. So not to sit back and give into life, I returned 1 month later shooting Olympic recurve. This bow does come with issues shooting from a wheelchair but I have found ways round and pleased to be on the line in my happy place, and surprisingly doing really good at the change of bow. Then at the end of November 2023 and attended Lillieshall for NTDP and managed to get my para classification. My dream is to be in the Paralympics. I have also been putting effort into advising and been out Archer GB with some disabled related articles and other work for them. Which I LOVE TOO it a great way to fill my down time away from the line and still giving back to the sport, especially whilst I am healing etc. I am trying to become an advocate for disabled archery and working hard at that as well as training. Part of my plans are me setting up social media presence to promote disabled archery. I have recently set up social media platforms under the name disabled_archer, and email thedisabledarcher@gmail.com. I am looking to set up a website but in need of help with this as its a new skill for me currently and I will be honest, I am struggling with. I am looking forward to helping others and give me the chance to rest off line and still help others. My hope is the webpage/site will be used for me to post blogs, videos, podcasts, photos, links to grants and general Q&As. The blogs etc won't just written by me, I have other people writing articles for me, so the website will have a rounded view. So I will be looking for other people's perspectives. This will be people from our club and also contacts I have around the country as well. Plus not entirely disabled people, coaches, athletes and para's. People of all ages and views. (All of the views will be personal and not the opinion or affiliated to Archery GB. Quick's Archery or Southampton Archery Club) This venture has come about as I am really lucky to be working with Archery GB directly on some disabled archery projects. Furthermore I passed my para certification so I also want to back up my Archery GB work to help other disabled people see how accessible archery is for all disabilities. This is a new venture for me and I am so grateful and excited to be doing something to help new and current archers. So far I have a TikTok, Instagram and X page under the Disabled_Archer and email as thedisabledarcher@gmail.com.

What are your archery performance highlights?
Getting my Para Classification and working with Archery GB

What are your goals for 2024 and beyond?
More disabled advocacy work and lots of competitions with further sponsorship as well.

Manufacturer sponsors
None at present , but would love Gillo, Beiter and Podium Strings to sponsor me

Who has been most influential in helping you get to your current level?
I would thank Linda Dickinson and Debbie Young from my first archery club the RNSCA for believing in me. Definitely my family and careers who without there support I would have had to give up my archery. The training team at Lilleshall for giving me inspiration to reach my goals especially Nat Merry. Plus help from coaches at Southampton Archery Club like Koorush, Chris Mollit and Andy Casemore. Not forgetting my archery friends across England. Plus don't forget all the lovely Quicks sales staff, who are always there to help me with new equipment and advice.

Who is your most admired archer?
Sheetal Devi such an incredible talent and inspiration for all archers not just disabled archers.

What advice can you give to up and coming new archers?
Find a club you feel relaxed with and do your basic training. Once you start archery focus on technique and proper form. Don't be worried where the arrow lands, good technique will make this happen. Watch your correct posture, concentrate on hand placement, and alignment. Doing this right from the beginning will bring you great form, accuracy and help avoid injuries. You will embed muscle memory that will serve you better forever. I would say it's important that you don't worry about distance and power for first few months. Technique is the most important factor for you to learn, so practice and practice some-more. A great habit all archers should do is keep a training a journal of your practice and your arrow groupings. Note down in your journal things that you have tried, different equipment, grip everything new or old and how how it feels. This is a great habit to learn and please even write down your bad days. You will be surprised what you learn reading your notes back to yourself. Another factor that stops new archers is injuries. So it is mega important to make your first few months to a range about technique not power. Short and sweet trips to the range will help you build muscle development all over as well as stamina. Please don't go rushing in and causing yourself to get injured. Also, every club will have someone to give you, their advice. Most of it as a beginner will be helpful. However, remember you're the one shooting so if something doesn't feel right or work don't continue using the advice (note it in your journal). If you are super keen to develop, seek out advice from qualified coach. Some coaches even offer a paid 1:1 session, these can be invaluable to you as they can really help you concentrate on your development. You don't need one week, pace them give yourself a chance to practice the new skills or techniques from coaches. Write down your development or struggles in your journal. Remember that even advanced team GB archers need to ask for advice and help.