A Twyford teenager is setting off to mainland Europe this week, hopefully bringing back success.

Ollie Hicks, 15-years-old, is part of the Team GB squad for the European indoor Archery Championships, who fly off to Laško, Slovenia, on Friday, 11 Febrary.

Having first picked up a bow and arrow just four years ago with the Scouts, it has been a steep rise for the Berkshire resident, but he is happy to see his hard work paying dividend.

Mr Hicks said: “I’m really pleased that all of my hard work I have put in is paying off.

“I find it an escape from everyday life. When you’re shooting you’re not thinking about anything else.”

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However, there are two key organisations the family make sure to credit, the Scouts and the Bowmen of Warfield.

Mrs Hicks, mother to Ollie and his brother Fin, who is also a keen archer, said: “Ollie and Fin joined 1st Twyford Scouts as Cubs and progressed to Scouts. 

“Not long after joining the Scout Troop they had the chance to learn Archery. 

“To 11-year-old boys this was an exciting opportunity, and it is fair to say that very soon they were hooked, wanting to attend as many sessions as possible. 

“They were really fortunate to have Scout leaders who were prepared to share their enthusiasm for the sport and give up their time to teach the Scouts.

“Shortly after this Ollie and Fin joined Bowmen of Warfield archery club in Bracknell and continued learning the art of Barebow shooting. 

“The club's Junior Winter Coaching programme built on foundations provided at Scouts. 

“During the covid lockdown, when the archery club was allowed to re-open, the boys made the most of their free time practicing for hours at the club.”

Ollie added: “. Without the opportunity I had at Scouts I might never have experienced it.”

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Going from strength to strength in such a short space of time, Ollie has won the Archery GB Outdoor and Indoor Junior Nationals, as well as the All-British Field Championships and bronze in the Senior Indoor Nationals.

Despite the success, the teen has his feet firmly on the ground and is looking forward to trying his best in Slovenia.

He emphasised: “It’s really exciting. I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m a bit nervous as it’s the first time I’ve been abroad without my parents.

“I’ve not set any targets; I’m just going to go out there, enjoy it and do the best I can.”

 

Good luck Ollie, from everyone at the Reading Chronicle.