The 18-year old Tuks archer, Christian de Klerk's, coolheadedness and accuracy has led to him being selected to represent South Africa at two World Championships as well as a World Cup Tournament.

For the second consecutive year, he will compete at the Senior Compound World Championships (Netherlands). Last year he managed to finish 33rd. There were about 70 competitors. 

He will also be in action at a World Cup meeting in Turkey as well as the World Youth Championships (Madrid).

De Klerk who is studying sports science at Tuks is confident of getting a better result at the senior world championships. He certainly proved during the recent South African Senior Championships as well the National Trials that he is not intimidated when competing against older and more experienced archers. He placed 4th and 2nd respectively. 

"The biggest mistake I made during last year's senior world championships was to allow my nerves to get the better of me. Once that happens you are in trouble. Decision making is of cardinal importance during any archery competition. If you don't think you bound to make costly mistakes, never shoot for the sake of shooting." 

An archery competition can last up to six hours. An archer who is on song can end up shooting up to 132 arrows. The draw weight to shoot one arrow is about 50 pounds (22.7kg). So during a competition, it roughly equates to an archer ending up drawing about 2996.4kg.
That is why De Klerk is serious about keeping a strict training regime. He regular gyms to strengthen his arms, shoulder as well as stomach muscles. He also jogs. 

"The real training, however, has got to be done on the shooting range.  I shoot roundabout 700 arrows a week which means I can spend about 20 hours a week shooting," explains the Tuks archer.

Not that he is complaining. According to him, there is nothing more relaxing being on the shooting range. 

"It relaxes me and revitalises mind and body."

De Klerk's dad, Beyers, won a silver medal during last year's World Masters Championships.