Hi I’m Laura Paeglis and I love archery! I have loved it ever since I picked up a bow at age 10 after my grandfather took me to a come and try afternoon run by Rob McKenzie at my local park in Melbourne, Hays Paddock. Rob still runs the program at Kew City bowmen. Has done I believe now for more than 30 years. A true unsung hero of the archery community in Melbourne.

It’s hard to believe looking back where my journey has taken me since then. I have represented Australia at 2 World Youth Archery Championships and multiple World Cups. My biggest highlight was representing my country at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. It gave me a taste of what the Games are all about and inspired me to aim to compete at the Olympics at senior level.

I have had wonderful support along the way from Archery Australia and Archery Victoria. On my return from the Youth worlds in 2017 I learned that they had submitted me and I had been accepted for a Future Talent scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport. Sponsored by the Carbine Club in Melbourne, a fabulous organisation who support young athletes of all sports chasing their sporting dreams. I am fortunate to still be benefitting from the amazing staff and facilities at Albert Park!

In 2022 once again with Archery Australia’s support I was one of 6 athletes in Australia across all sporting codes to be awarded a scholarship under the “AOC Athlete Scholarship program – Paris 2024”. This program provides financial support to athletes to allow them to concentrate on preparation for the Olympic Games. I’m very grateful to be able to follow my Olympic dream with the help of this funding.

This years competition schedule has been intense. I finished the season with a personal best performance at World Cup 4 in Paris. And I am now feeling excited about the road ahead and looking forward to the journey!