Quicks Team Shooter - Michelle Sword

How did you get into archery?
I got into archery about 12- 13 years ago, via my partner, after having to stop my athletics due to a recurring injury. He and his archery friends at the time mentioned taking it up as I have a sporting, competitive streak in me and I couldn't do nothing. He had moved to compound just before and I thought they were mean looking, so thought I'd go straight to that! So my first kit was bought for my on eBay, and I absolutely loved the sport, I have not looked back since!

What are your archery performance highlights?
Performance highlights have to be ranking within the top 20 in the UK, representing England three times for the outdoor home nations, and reaching the national tour finals in 2016.

What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
I would really like to improve my UK rankings to within the top 10, obtain a 700 score on a WA720, represent England yet again and hope to reach the national tour finals.

Manufacturer sponsors
Arrowsocks, CMA, and Podium Bowstrings.

Who has been most influential in helping you get to your current level?
Most influential people have been Peter Dallas who is a member of my previous club, and my coach Nat Merry, who has been great with giving me the help and confidence to shoot!

Who is your most admired archer?
I have many archers I really admire if honest! My friend Hannah Brown, who had surgery on her shoulder, and has come back even stronger in the last couple of years. Vicky Loader, fellow Quicks and England teamie, Paige Pierce, and our GB compound women.

What advice can you give to up and coming new archers?
Listen to your coach, don't worry about how others are shooting, concentrate on your own shot process. Most importantly, have fun shooting and have a laugh with the people around you!