Archery isn’t just a sport for me—it’s my passion, my challenge, and my path forward. I started my journey in 2019 at just 10 years old, stepping onto the range with nothing but determination and a love for the sport. That same year, I placed third at my first National competition and set an Alberta Provincial Record—an achievement that fueled my desire to push further and grow stronger.
Then came the pandemic. Like so many athletes, my training and competition schedule came to a sudden halt, but I refused to let that slow me down. With access to a range and the incredible support of the volunteers and coaches at Lakeland Archery in Lloydminster, I dedicated myself to refining my shot process, mastering my equipment, and growing as an archer. That time of focused practice only deepened my love for archery and solidified my commitment to excellence.
Over the years, I found success as a Barebow archer, but my ambitions led me to a new challenge—the Olympic Recurve Bow. In July 2022, my family and I moved to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and with that move came a new chapter in my career. Transitioning to Olympic Recurve demanded discipline, patience, and resilience, but it also opened doors to opportunities I had only dreamed of.
2023 was a breakthrough year. I achieved a #1 Outdoor Target ranking in Canada, won Gold in Field and Silver in Target at Nationals, and earned a spot in Archery Canada’s Next Generation Program—a step closer to my ultimate goal of representing Canada on the world stage.
In 2024, I was deeply honoured to be named Sport North Female Youth Athlete of the Year, a recognition of the dedication and hard work I’ve put into this sport. This year is about growth—building form, refining technique, and competing against some of the best archers in North America. I will be competing at:
- Archery Canada Western Canada Cup (Winnipeg, MB)
- Buckeye Classic (Dublin, OH, USA)
- Archery Canada Nationals (Fredericton, NB
I am more motivated than ever to continue pushing my limits and pursuing my dreams in archery. Whether you’re an aspiring archer, a supporter of the sport, or just curious about my journey, I invite you to follow along as I work towards the future—one arrow at a time.
Thank you for being part of my story, and for supporting me on this incredible journey.
Let’s aim high, shoot straight, and never stop growing!
– Sophia Elder
