“I am still a bit new to the recurve bow division but I have big dreams in archery. I mean – who does not want to shoot a bow for a living or tune and setup bows as a day job?”
Her name is Mandi Theron and she is a recurve archer. She was born in South Africa; now she is 30
years old and doing a 7 to 4 job that she enjoys. Originally shooting compound bow, she moved
over to recurve last year. She also started with crossfit in May to get fit for shooting; Mandi says:
“It strengthens the core and shoulders and just gets you fit over all. I also discovered that crossfit
shoes are amazing to shoot in as they are flat and stable”. She loves to shoot her bow over the
weekend and some afternoons. The passion for archery led her to achieve great results in
competitions as well. What’s her secret?
TASH: What does archery represent for you?
M.T.: Archery is a skill, art and sport. It’s relaxing and keeping focus, while having fun.
TASH: How do you balance life and archery?
M.T.: Archery takes time and a lot of practice to perfect. I don’t have all day to shoot, so imagining
the shot process while you drink coffee or listen to the radio can help. Till you get time to practice
the actual shot.
TASH: Last year you started with your recurve bow, what were you shooting before? Was it hard to
change?
M.T.: I shot compound for just over a year before I started with the recurve bow. Recurve bows are
just better, more fun and it looks just so cool. Compound bows are more technology based whereas
recurve is more technique.
Here is what Mandi told us she is shooting:
- Gray Archery Riser 25″ with Gray Archery Stabilizers
- Kinetic Vaultage Limbs 38lbs
- Easton Carbon One Arrows
- Custom made 14 strand string
- Decut Recurve Sight Pin Tawant
- AAE Tab
- Shibuya Rest and Plunger
TASH: Is archery a popular sport in South Africa?
M.T.: South Africa is known for Rugby and Cricket, not for Archery. The sport is picking up and
we have a program to encourage it more in schools. But no it is not so popular.
TASH: You just won bronze at the Greater Gauteng IFAA Spring Champs and silver at the North
West IFAA Champs, what is your next goal?
M.T.: My next goal is to get Provincial and National Colors for the Indoor division and working
hard on placing good at the 2020 South African National Target Championships (720 round).
We wish her good luck.
TASH team