Got a silver medal, want more is the attitude with which the UP-Tuks archer, Wian Roux, will be competing from this weekend at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

Roux has got just reason to be confident. He has just returned from Lausanne, Switzerland where he trained for ten days at the Archery Academy of Excellence. He estimates that he must have shot at least 3 800 arrows under the supervision of a former Spanish Olympian medallist and a Korean coach who medalled at the Junior World Championships.

“We trained for about four to five hours each day. It really helped to have such experienced coaches on hand who is able to point out when you make a mistake immediately. They were also continually giving us tips as to the do’s and don’ts of competing in a major competition. Getting to learn from the best helped me to believe in my abilities,” said the Grade 10-learner from Hoërskool Menlopark.

“I am certainly not going to Argentina just to make up the numbers. If I can keep my cool and remain focused I could be in contention to medal. Archery is all about confidence. You are bound to shoot one or two bad arrows. The secret is not to let it get to you. If you do it is game over. 

Earlier this year during the African Youth Championships in Algiers the Tuks archer won a silver medal. Roux is of the opinion if it was not for one bad shot he could have won the gold medal.

“With one round to go in the final the score was level at 4-all. Unfortunately, my aim was slightly off with one arrow and that cost me big time. I had to settle for the silver medal.”