Danielle BROWN (GBR): “The organisation in Shanghai is second to none”

After a home games win, what now drives you to go on?

I still don’t think I’ve reached my full potential, I’m still improving and I still enjoy it. That’s the main thing, there’s no point otherwise.

What are your goals for this year?

My main goal is the Para-Archery World Championships, and trying to retain my title for the fourth time. I’m also looking forward to shooting at 50m, as I’ve really enjoyed it at the none disabled events. I really want to make the none disabled World Championships, also, as I’ve never had that opportunity before.

Do you have a different approach to Para-archery versus able shoots?

Yes I do. At the Para-archery events I have to win, so even though there is a smaller field there is much more pressure for me to do well. Whereas at the none disabled events, whilst I still want to do really well, I can just enjoy it and also use them to gain valuable experience for my Para-archery events.

If you could just win one shoot this year, what would it be?

The Para-Archery World Championships, as my mortgage depends on it! As much as I enjoy archery, I could not do it fulltime without my funding and unfortunately that only depends on my Para-archery results.

Your personal best for the FITA round is 1406 and the world record is 1413. Where do you think those scores will be in ten years?

Hopefully mine will be higher. I think I have quite a lot of room for improvement and I’ll just keep trying.

Who inspired you to pursue your goals?

I feel like I’ve always been self-motivated. I don’t want to be like anyone else, I’m always looking to improve on the best scores in the world.

How would you describe the life of a fulltime archer?

It’s got to be fun or I would not do it, but also it is hard work. I've had to make a lot of sacrifices, such as moving away from my family and friends. When it’s not going well, it’s frustrating and all I want to do is go home and eat my own body weight in chocolate. But experiences like winning in London make it all worthwhile.

Do you have a plan or could you still be doing this in twenty years time?

One of my team mates in London was 64, so that gives me another 40 years. But really I’m going to carry on as long as I keep enjoying it.

What has been your toughest match so far?

No match is easy, you can never be complacent but no event was more difficult than London. There was so much pressure for me to do well and I wanted it really badly too. Basically, I had never been so nervous in my life. It was also the first time my family and friends have watched me at an international event; I was so pleased to win the gold and thank them for all their support.

If there was one thing you could change about your shot, what would it be?

Nothing. If you are not confident in your shot, then why shoot it?

What is it like to be back in China and about to start the first World Cup of the year?

I’m really excited about it, I’ve been to China many times and I always find the people friendly and welcoming. I always really enjoy the Shanghai World Cup; it’s a very good event and the best possible way to start the year. The organisation is second to none and if it was not for them, I would not even be here as they have provided me with an assistant for the week to help me with moving my kit and collecting my arrows.

World Archery Communication