Keep calm shoot straight. This simple philosophy has helped Danelle Wentzel to establish herself as one of the world's top female archers. 

On the latest World Archery rankings that were released today (26 June), the Tuks archer ranks 11th in the compound category (50 metres). She firmly believes she can be better. That is why she has set her sights on going to the USA once the Covid-19 pandemic had "died" down. 

She had competed in the USA earlier this year. A definite highlight was when she finished second during the Midwest Indoor Tournament (20 metres). 

According to her, the nice thing about being an archer in the "States" is that you can compete nearly every week. 

"Archery is really a popular sport in the USA. Even in some of the smaller tournaments, you get to compete against some of the world's best archers. Some claim that it is sometimes more challenging to win a big competition in the USA than it is to win a World Cup-event," explained the Tuks archer.

Alexis Ruiz (USA) is currently the world's best female compound archer while Paige Pearce (USA) is ranked third.

"What was unique is that I got to compete against men during the smaller tournaments. Ever so often, I was able to hold my own against them. It led to me getting quite a few top-three finishes which were huge confidence boosters. 

"Getting to compete against men forced me to change my mindset. Men usually believe they can't miss. It is the opponent who is going to make a mistake. I wanted to prove them wrong. I realise now that when you can limit your mistakes, you will always have a real chance to win."

The Tuks Archer made South African sports history last year when she won the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya. She is the first local archer to do so. It meant she qualified to compete in the World Cup finals in Moscow. Only the top eight men and women archers in each of the international categories were in action. 

"If you had asked me straight after how I felt about my performance, I probably would have told you that I failed. When, however I thought things through afterwards I realised I had shot only two bad arrows during the first round. It was what prevented me from going through to the next round.

"The important thing is that I have learned a lot. I am now more motivated than ever. The goal is clear. I am going to compete in the 'final' again. I know I am capable of getting a better result. That is why it is essential to base myself in the USA."

The Tuks archer completed her BA Sport and Leisure and Recreation Management studies at the end of last year. 

"There is a good reason why I studied what I did. Hopefully, it will enable me to find work in the USA's archery industry. I can help organise an event or to market it. If I do, I can keep on competing."