Inverness primary school pupil wins Scottish archery gold
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CHLOÉ Riffort O’Hara only took up archery six months ago, but she has already hit the target for success at national level.
The Inverness Field Archery Club member claimed the Novice Improvement Shield and a gold medal at the Scottish Field Archery Association Annual Meet in Edinburgh.
Chloé (11) a pupil at Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, only started archery lessons in September.
But it was quickly ascertained that she had a natural talent with a bow and arrow, as she came out on top in her youth section.
She was surprised, but proud, that she claimed victory in what was her first national archery competition.
“It was such a surprise,” says Chloé.
“I just really wanted to try archery and then I was told that there was a competition coming up, so I decided to sign up and I won.
“After trying at practice, I did really well hitting the target.
“I really enjoyed taking part when I first started and I wanted to continue.
“It is the only competition that I have been in and I am pleased to have won.”
Chloé is a big movie fan and says she has been compared to Princess Merida from the Disney film Brave, where she is also famous for using a bow and arrow.
However, she says that her mother, Stephanie Riffort, has been the biggest influence in progressing her archery career.
“Me and my mum started at the same time, she wanted to do it and that encouraged me to stay and have more fun,” says Chloé.
“I think I would like to take part in more competitions in the future. I really enjoy it, it is really fun and satisfying to take part in.”
Chloé’s father, Conor O'Hara, puts his daughter’s success down to regular lessons at Inverness Field Archery Club once a week at Culloden Academy.
He said that she has shown a natural talent for the sport and her potential is being realised with the training she receives from coaches at the club.
“From a young age, we’ve taught Chloé how to breathe when concentrating, and especially when you’re hurt,” said Conor.
“Archery is all about the fluid motion of drawing the bow, aiming and letting go, and a smooth, calm breath seems to help.
“The coaches at IFAC have been so diligent and supportive.”
IFAC coach Kenny Nairn says the club are proud of Chloé’s achievement at national level.
He predicts that she will go on to further success in the future.
He said: “We are all proud of Chloe too and hope she will compete again throughout 2023.”
