Tara Murray
After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics.
Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said.
“Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon, after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreams do, by seeing something in the movies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching Hunger Games.
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Living in Doreen, Paeglis has a range in her own back yard.
It means she can shoot daily right at home.
“The Olympic distance is 70 metres,” she said. “In a normal week, I would shoot 200-300 arrows per day and do two to three gym sessions per week. I am coached by my dad, who I think has probably spent as much time as I have training in researching technique, equipment and bow tuning.
“My early days of competition involved a lot of travel both within Australia and Internationally and I could not have done any of this without the support of both my parents.”
In 2018, Paeglis represented Australia at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.
It was her first taste of a huge multi-sport event including living in an athletes village and competing in front of grandstands full of people.
Archery Victoria then nominated her for a future talent scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport.
It gave her even more opportunities.
“Funded by the Carbine Club, who do amazing work supporting up and coming athletes, it introduced me to a real high performance environment,” she said.
“I have access to training and gym facilities, strength and conditioning coaches, physio, nutritionists and sports psychologists. It’s an incredible place that prepares you for international competition in the best possible way.”
Paeglis then went straight into selection trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
During the Australian part of the trials she shot two Australian record scores.
But then narrowly missed out on selection at the very last event in Paris.
“The winner travelled onwards after the event to Tokyo with the team. And I had a long flight back home on my own.”
Paeglis heads to Paris next week. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said. “Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
