PONTYPOOL archer Thea Rogers is hoping 2016 will prove even more successful that 2015 as she continues on the Olympic Pathway.
The St. Alban's RC High School pupil enjoyed a spectacular 12 months, breaking 40 Welsh outdoor records and two British records.
The teenager obtained Junior Master Bowmen classification for every competition she attended.
She was crowned British outdoor under-14 champion and obtained an invitation to the UK Junior Masters Competition where she finished second at under-18 level and first at under-14.
Rogers also triumphed at the Archery GB Academies Cup Talent Festival, where she was again crowned under-14 champion.
And she was invited back to Archery GB regional Academy, held at Hartpury College of Sporting Excellence in Gloucester, for a second year to continue on the Olympic Pathway journey.
Last year, however, Rogers decided to push herself further, opting to shoot under-16 distances to see if she could achieve selection scores for the Youth European Championships.
She duly achieved both Youth European Championship selection scores at her first attempt.
The year also saw her earn selection for her county team and the Welsh junior outdoor team and she was crowned Welsh Outdoor under-18 champion.
She was also selected for Welsh junior indoor team and for the Welsh senior indoor team – the youngest junior to represent the senior team at just 13.
She ended 2015 ranked number one in Britain at under-14 level and third at under-18.
Proud mum Natascha said: “This comes at a great cost, dedication, commitment, much time and continual assessment and benchmarking.
“Thea thrives on this and manages to fit it all in, whilst maintaining good progress in school.
“Every evening you will find her shooting, exercising and filling in her diary, as there is an ever increasing expectation of arrow count and progress from Archery GB.
“Thea also continues to be a part of the Welsh Academy, held at Sophia Gardens, and was recently invited to join the Welsh senior squad.
“Both academies complement each other and her training also continues at Llantarnam Archery Club, held at Rougemont School.
“Thea's club coach is Harry Reed, who saw Thea's potential from the start and who continues to be her constant mentor and someone who Thea can always go to and depend on.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here