Redland prodigy aims to hit $10k Canada archery comp bullseye

At just 16, Redlands archer Gabrielle West is chasing Olympic dreams but there’s a major obstacle in her way that could threaten her chances of representing Australia overseas.

Redland teen archer Gabrielle West has been selected to represent Australia at the World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg, Canada in August. Picture: Contributed

At just 16 years old, Redland archer Gabrielle West has already hit more targets than most athletes twice her age and now, she’s about to take aim on the world stage.

The year 11 high school student has been selected as one of only three athletes in Australia to represent the nation in the female under-18 recurve division at the World Archery Youth Championships in Canada, from August 17–24.

It’s a staggering achievement for the bayside teen, who first picked up a bow just three years ago, a Christmas gift that turned out to be life-changing.

Gabrielle West has been selected to represent Australia at the World Archery Youth Championships in Canada. Picture: Richard Walker

“From the moment I tried archery, something clicked,” Gabrielle said.

“It wasn’t just a sport. It gave me focus, confidence, and purpose.”

Since that first shot in 2022, Gabrielle has rapidly risen through the competitive ranks, claiming local, state, and national titles and smashing multiple records along the way.

Her original goal was simply to become club champion at Mount Petrie Bowmen Club, a feat she achieved in 2023.

But she didn’t stop there.

The Redland powerhouse went on to win the Queensland State Championships, then the Australian Archery Australia Best All Round Female Recurve Archer 2024.

This year she is lining up alongside the best young archers on the planet at a competition that draws more than 500 athletes from over 60 countries.

She hopes Canada is a step closer to her ultimate dream of representing Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“It still feels surreal,” she said.

“Competing for Australia on the world stage, it’s what every young archer dreams of.”

But that dream doesn’t come cheap.

Redland teen Gabrielle West has her sights set on getting to Canada for the World Archery Youth Championships but she first has to raise $10,000. Picture: Richard Walker

The trip is entirely self-funded, and Gabrielle is now in a race outside the archery range, to raise $10,000 to cover international flights, accommodation, competition fees, meals, transport, and equipment.

World Archery rules require competitors to travel with a full second bow setup in case of failure mid-competition, doubling gear costs.

She’s calling on the community that’s backed her from day one including her club, the South Queensland Archery Society, her coach from Archery GW, Archery Supplies, and the broader Redland public to help get her to Canada.

“This chance to compete on the world stage means so much to me, and with support, I can take the next big step in pursuing my archery dreams,” she said.

“This is about the path forward, the belief that with enough work and support, anything is possible.”

Balancing elite sport with the pressure of Year 11 exams hasn’t been easy, but Gabrielle’s coach Graham Winston from Archery GW said her discipline and drive set her apart.

To help Gabrielle get to Canada, supporters can contribute to her fundraising campaign via her GoFundMe page.

FOR PRINT

■ See the full story online at Couriermail.com.au

Originally published as Redland prodigy aims to hit $10k Canada archery comp bullseye