Al Campsall is one of three Canadians chosen to compete in the World 3D Archery Championships in Austria this summer.
Campsall, as well as one man from Alberta and another from Ontario, will represent Canada as they compete against leading archers from around the world in Donnersbach, Austria Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.
“The team was selected on the basis of scores that were compared at the provincial and national championships over the last couple of years, and I just happened to be one of the top three,” says Campsall, a Williams Lake resident who has been involved in archery for the last 12 years.
Campsall has won the Canadian championships five times and the provincial championships 11 times — the provincial competitions also include target.
Campsall says he is tremendously excited to represent Canada in the world competition.
“I’m closing in on 60 years old and I am competing against all of the young guys, so this is really a thrill for me,” he says, adding that his fellow teammates typically shoot in the 18-49-year-old mens category, whereas he normally shoots in the 50-59-year-old category.
“I have to compete against these young, strong guys, and I am very excited I was able to garnish a spot on the team.”
Campsall received word through an e-mail last week that he was selected.
In order to be considered, one has to express interest in competing.
Those who declare their interest are then ranked.
He says 3D archery is the most popular form of archery in Canada.
“You’ve got literally thousands, hundreds of thousands of people, who compete in 3D archery,” he says.
Between now and the competition, he will continue training hard.
“For the last seven to nine months, I practiced two to three hours everyday,” he says, adding that he also weight trains — and brain trains.
He is trying to teach his brain to separate the actions from his left arm and right arm, to improve his coordination so he doesn’t allow one arm to jiggle when the other one is shooting.
“If I can leave my left arm alone and its only job is to hold the bow and keep it straight and not move, then I can affect a shot that does not get torqued or does not get pushed to one side or move up or down or anything like that. That’s one of the most difficult things to do in archery.”
Before the World 3D Archery Championships in Austria, Campsall will also take part in the B.C. Outdoor 3D championships, hosted by the Cariboo Archers, on the July 9-10 weekend.
The shoot is open to all skill levels — even to those who have never before picked up a bow.
It will take place behind the Rod and Gun Club on Bond Lake Road in Williams Lake.