Gray targets international glory

Archer Rob Gray is currently training hard in preparation for the Seoul International Youth Sports Festival on 6th July, and hoping to earn a trip to the World Championships in China in October.

The youngster, one of the ‘Apple Elite’ prospects, supported by the Worksop Guardian and Apple Fitness, has begun his busiest time of the year.

He explained: “Over the last six months it’s been the archery winter training phase, and I’m now moving into the main outdoor season.”

“This involves me going to competitions all over the country, and hopefully being selected for the Great Britaih team again.”

Success at national level is leading to opportunities in foreign climes.

Already this year he’s travelled to Slovenia, where he took a top 10 place, and next month will see him in South Korea.

“I’ve been to two selection shoots, and been selected for GB twice. In Slovenia at the first leg of the Europa Cup I qualified in 46th place, but after a good few rounds finished ninth out of 54.”

“The next trip is Seoul, and I’ll hopefully get to do a little sightseeing while competing.”

Once the International Youth Sports Festival is finished, Gray will set his sights on part two of a selection shoot for the World Championships in Wuxi, China, from 13th October.

In the first stage of the selection process, Gray finished third, and only the top three will go to China.

With such a demanding schedule, he’s working hard to stay fit and ready for competition.

He added: “Since gaining the Apple Elite sponsorship, I’ve been going to the gym three times a week, and I’m going to coaching four or five days a week at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire.”

“The gym work has helped with my fitness and core strength, and the physio treatment at Apple has helped my training.”