Celebrating Success at the 2023 Pacific Games

Celebrating Success at the 2023 Pacific Games

Greetings, Archery Australia community!

We are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our talented archers at the 2023 Pacific Games. Our archery team put on an exceptional display of skill and sportsmanship, showcasing their dedication and determination on the international stage.

Laura Paeglis and Ryan Tyack, two of our outstanding archers, stood proudly on the podium, each securing a gold medal in the individual matchplay events. In an exciting twist, they faced off against their fellow Australian teammates, Sarah Haywood and Peter Boukouvalas, in all-Australian finals for both men and women. Laura’s victory with a score of 6-2 and Ryan’s gold medal match win with a score of 7-1 were truly remarkable performances that filled us with pride.

For Sarah Haywood, this marked her first appearance in an Australian multisport team, and she secured two well-deserved silver medals. Her enthusiasm and passion for representing Australia were palpable, and she expressed how incredible it was to wear the national uniform. Sarah’s journey at the Pacific Games provided valuable lessons in handling pressure and competing in finals, which she aims to incorporate into her training for future success.

Peter Boukouvalas, an aspiring Olympian archer and station master, claimed two silver medals as well. His sportsmanship was evident when he graciously acknowledged his teammate Ryan Tyack’s exceptional performance in the gold medal match. Peter is determined to continue training hard and pushing himself to improve, with the valuable experience gained at the Pacific Games driving him forward.

Our archery champion Laura Paeglis, who also secured a bronze medal in the Pacific Games mixed team playoff alongside Ryan Tyack, expressed her relief and joy at finishing the campaign on a high note. She emphasized the unique experience of the tournament and the importance of preparation and self-belief. Laura’s dedication to her craft and her unwavering confidence serve as an inspiration to us all.

Ryan Tyack, reflecting on the campaign, highlighted the team’s overall success, particularly winning the Olympic Qualifying mixed team event. While they may have faced disappointment in the semifinals of the Pacific mixed teams event, Ryan recognized the invaluable lessons learned from that experience, which will undoubtedly serve them well in future Olympic qualifying events. The fact that the team secured a medal in every event they participated in showcases their remarkable talent and commitment to excellence.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our archery team for their outstanding achievements at the 2023 Pacific Games. Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship have not only made Archery Australia proud but have also elevated the profile of archery within our nation and on the international stage.

As we look ahead, our archers are now gearing up for the Olympic Trials in Canberra, scheduled for January 17-21, 2024. We have every confidence that they will continue to represent Australia with distinction and pursue their dreams of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Let’s rally behind our archery team as they continue their journey, and may their bows and arrows always find the mark of success!

Sincerely,

Archery Australia