From Stroke to Worldchampionship Gold — Support Jo's Journey

The new equipment has started to arrive, and I had my first proper session with it this week. My own riser is still stuck in customs, so we worked with a loaner but the new limbs, carbon fibre arrows, string, and tripod sight were all in my hands for the first time.

It felt like meeting a different bow entirely.

So much of this session was about touch. As a visually impaired archer, the small tactile markers the nocking points on the string, the weight of an arrow between my fingers, the pressure of the bow in my hand are how I find my way back to the same shot, over and over. Today my hands were learning a brand new map.

The new poundage is heavier, the carbon arrows are lighter, and the whole chain of stance, grip, draw and release is being recalibrated around it. The arrows even kept slipping off the rest at first, until we worked out the heavier draw was pulling me into a slight tilt to the left. A real learning curve ahead and exactly what this stage is meant to be.

A huge thank you to Richard and the team at Auckland Archery Supplies for setting everything up and walking us through it in such detail. And to everyone who has donated so far this gear is in my hands because of you.

Once my riser clears customs, the full setup will be mine, and the real training toward the World Archery Para Championships properly begins.

Thank you for being part of this 🎯

Jo