Passionate and ambitious archer, Magnus Fredriksson is part of our International Sponsored Archers team. We followed his evolution during two competitions in Norway.
Thirty-three years old, born and raised in Sweden, proud father of three wonderful children, successful real estate manager and a very passionate and ambitious archer, Magnus Fredriksson is part of our International Sponsored Archers team. We followed his evolution during two competitions in Norway, this year, only to discover a perfectionist who actively trains himself to give the best he can in archery. Somehow, he seems to miraculously balance his personal and professional life with archery training and national and international competitions. After getting to know him, we realised the key must be his natural ability to enjoy life and his deep belief that learning and evolving is a long-term process, built on every individual experience.
“I don’t see myself ever stopping to shoot or to compete”
TASH: Magnus, you seem to “hunt” every competition, both national and international, and your results are very good. What motivates you to “never stop”?
M.F.: Lol! I just love archery and I am crazy competitive but in a good way, I hope. I don’t see myself ever stopping to shoot or to compete; I aim to make a name for myself up in the Big League. But seriously, my immediate goal is to participate to the European finals and to do well. I want to go to the Vegas shot 2020 and give it my best. I want to wear the names of the biggest brands in the industry. Since I’ve started to compete, I have been sponsored by a lot of big brands and I’m so honoured for all the support they have been giving me. But what I love is not the discounts and benefits per se but all these companies wanting me to represent them because of my skills. That’s why I’m so proud to be called a team shooter for The Archery Shop UK. When I first got in contact with Carl and Ana, none of them had ever met me nor heard of me before. They have just seen my scores and what I could do. That’s what really motivates me to go to the next competition: I have someone that truly believes in me and my shooting. I don’t shoot perfectly all the time, but anyone has to fail some, to be able to win even more.
TASH: What archery style do you shoot and why does it challenge you?
M.F.: I shoot and compete in men’s compound elite series in 3D, Field and Indoor target. When I first started shooting a bow, I actually started with a recurve and did fairly well. Then I tried a compound bow from a friend of mine, I felt the precision that today’s equipment allows us to have and this made me switch over right away. I know that a lot of shooters have focused only on 3D, field or target (usually the one or the other). I honestly believe and have noticed in my own shooting skills that no matter what I shoot, it allows me to be a much better archer at the end. After I started to shoot indoor target for example, I became much more aware of my stabiliser set up and the way I execute my shots. When I started to shoot field target my balance came into the equation; being able to put a good 80 yards shot both up or down is something you only learn by doing. 3D has given me the ability to judge distances and to be comfortable with my shots in a stressful environment.
TASH: In February you participated in two competitions in Norway and this month you went for “Distriktsmästerskap”, Sweden national championship. What’s next?
M.F.: I’m now going to a new (and probably my last) championship for indoors, on March 23rd. I do have good feelings about this one. I also have several 3D competitions coming up this year. There will be a lot of traveling this summer but it feels good to come out in the woods again, after a long winter. (he smiles)
“I don’t know of any other sport where the sportsmanship is bigger and brighter than in the archery community”
TASH: What does archery represent for Magnus Fredriksson?
M.F.: For me, archery is a gentleman’s/woman’s sport that allows people of all ages, genders, nationalities to get together and just have as much fun as possible. I don’t know of any other sport where the sportsmanship is bigger and brighter than in the archery community. I’ve seen many great things happening in the field and heard of others; for example in one gold medal match, during the final rounds for the title, one of the competitor’s release failed. The other competing archer stopped the match and handed over his own spare release just so the first one could fulfil the game and do his best. This is the same on the field or in the woods, people are always wanting to help, share ideas, bond and become really good friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or if you shoot for the first time. That’s what I love about this sport!
“I honestly believe that we all can do much better if we understand both our mistakes and the things that let us hit the bullseye in the target”
TASH: How long do you train, during a week, and how does a regular training session look like?
M.F.: I live a very stressful life with 3 small kids and a full-time job that takes up a lot of time, so I do not train as much as one would think. If I’m lucky I can probably put in 3 days a week, and most likely 2 hours per training session. When I train I analyse everything I do. If I’m pulling too hard, if I’m aiming right, if I’m standing too long, etc. I honestly believe that we all can do much better if we understand both our mistakes and the things that let us hit the bullseye in the target. The thing with me is that I’m never ever satisfied! I can shoot an almost perfect score and maybe get one or two 9s and the rest of the 10s, then I’m frustrated and I get in a sort of mental state that doesn’t allow me to quit shooting until everything is perfect. I have shot a lot of competitions where I was lucky enough to win also, but when I feel that my shooting is not the best, I take another round (just with myself) to understand and correct the things that made my shooting weak.
TASH: What traits make someone a successful sportsperson?
M.F.: The ability to be happy about others’ success and to share ideas, tips or just wanting to help people around you. I will gladly congratulate my fellow archer if he or she has done good, but I still get frustrated if I have done worse then I know I’m able to.
TASH: What advice would you give to a young archer before his or her first competition?
M.F.: There is no need to be nervous even though he or she probably wants to do his/her best (just like I want). From my experience, archers are the kindest types of people that I have come to known and no one is judging someone for a bad shot. Take advantage of as many competitions as you possibly can and are able to, this will help you to grow as an archer, and will sharpen your shooting skills. You will also gain much information and knowledge about the sport of archery itself. And remember to have fun because that’s what it all comes down to in the end. (he smiles)
Magnus aims to make a name for himself up in the Big League and we have no doubts he will.
Costinela Caraene
TASH team