Lacombe resident Cameron Herbert recently finished 10th at the World Championships of 3D Archery, after finishing 1st at Nationals in Prince Albert.
“Winning nationals was exciting for me as a person that hasn’t won the tournament. I have won second and third a couples times. What that did was solidify my place on the world team — they only take the top three,” he said.
Herbert has been a competitive compound archer for around nine years and 10th place at Worlds in Lac La Biche was the highest a Canadian had ever finished in the compound division.
The sport became a passion for Hereby when he decided he wanted to become a better bow hunter.
“It turned into a passion hobby and I grew a love for it,” he said. “I would say five years ago I realized I could compete with the top archers around Canada.”
Although pleased with 10th, Herbert feels he could have done even better
“I felt that I could have shot better and I felt I didn’t shoot up to my potential for the weekend. It was great to finish 10th against some amazing shooters, but I felt I could have done a little better,” he said.
Competing against the best in the world allowed Herbert to see what he needs to work on to take it to the next level.
“Archery is not pointing and shooting — there is a lot of mental and physical fundamentals,” he said. “The concept seems easy, but it is frustrating like golf. It shows the practice I need to put in to hit the next level and compete at the world level.”
Currently, compound archery is not an Olympic sport but there are some athletes in the United States that can make a living in 3D archery. Herbert would love to make to that level, but said at 37 it isn’t very likely.
Herbert competes out of the Central Alberta Archers Association and practices two to three time throughout the winter. In the summer he competes and practices once per week
He recommends the sport to anyone — especially younger kids who love it.
“Call your local club and try it. If you ever get passionate, you will maybe get a chance to compete at the world level,” he said.
Herbert wants to remain on the world scene at least for two more years.
“In 2021 it is in Italy, so hopefully I can come up with some funding and make the team again,” he said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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