After Stroke Success

by Laurie Ellis
(Maine, USA)

I'm a 62 year old woman......I had a small stroke two years ago. Two months ago I timidly bought a compound bow. This was an impulse purchase during a time when I was trying to feel strong.

The first five times I shot an arrow it was like a bolt from the blue. I loved it....experienced joy. As I'm retired I had the time to do what I'm doing now.......constant shooting around experienced archers.

I joined a JOAD group ;) Don't know why he let me in, but he did.

The benefits to me physically and mentally are too many to list exhaustively here: regaining balance, core muscle strength to prevent falls, slow retraining of my affected side (which was my dominant, the side I shoot from), slapping down depression (which organically is usually present post stroke).

I now take no pain medication for my affected arm and shoulder. I train,walking for endurance. I hire coaches (probably too many.....confusing somewhat).

My goal is to be a compound bow Olympic archer. Yes, at 62. I go to every NFAA tournament here (every Sunday) and am steadily improving. I train every day joyfully and with increasing focus.

Is there a division for me Olympically speaking?

Here I'm a "silver senior female bowhunter." I just bought a target bow though and will begin to learn this and increase my ability.

Can I go to the Olympics? Do I have to petition to change the rules? ;D

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