Shoreham-by-Sea athlete Bryony Pitman ready for Tokyo Olympics Brighton News

The 24-year-old is one of six archers who will represent the GB team at the Tokyo Olympics.

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In his preparations for the Games, Bryony juggled training and a humanities degree at Brunel University, but says the online learning imposed by Covid has been a blessing in disguise.

“Covid actually eased the balance between college and archery this year, as teaching online meant I didn’t have to spend a lot of time between home and campus when I could. train me, ”she said.

Bryony Pitman with his father Gary Kinghorn (left) and Olympic medalist Alec Potts at the Worthing Archery Club. Credit: Gary Oldmeadow

Bryony is nearing the end of his course, he only has his thesis left to write.

“The university has been incredibly understanding and supportive in giving me extensions when needed, especially around my thesis,” she said. “It takes a lot of good time management, but the support from the university and my family has been really crucial.”

The recurve ace is no stranger to major competitions as he won bronze at the 2019 World Championships, gold at the 2019 European Games and competed in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Bryony said she has a better idea of ​​what to expect with everything from the atmosphere to the food inside the Olympic Village.

“Winning medals at other international events has definitely helped me know what to expect from a final venue,” she said. “I hope it won’t be so overwhelming when I get there.

“Of course I hope to win a medal, which athlete doesn’t. Our greatest chances are in the team and mixed team events, but I also have individual ambitions. ”

Bryony Pitman celebrating a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. Credit: World Archery

Born and raised in Shoreham-by-Sea, Bryony attributes her accomplishments to date to her upbringing, local coaches and past family successes.

“I’ve lived there my whole life,” she says. “My archery club is Worthing and they have been so good to me since I started there when I was 11.

“Representing Sussex was my first goal in archery and everyone I met on the county junior and senior team has always been so supportive.

“My dad competed for Great Britain so I grew up around his stories and all the medals. I always thought it sounded good, so I wanted to do the same.

Bryony, who has been playing the sport for 13 years, says archery is for everyone.

“It’s a sport that anyone can start, no matter your age, your height, your weight,” she said. “We also have a great Paralympic program here in the UK so even if you have a disability archery is easy to integrate. ”

Bryony is due to start competing on July 23, but away from the action she says Covid is not high on her list of concerns.

“The Olympic athletes will be one of the most tested groups in the world both before and during the Games, so all cases will be detected early and measures are in place so that people can self-isolate if necessary,” he said. she declared.

“There will also be daily health monitoring, temperature checks and Covid testing. Even before we left, many British sports isolated themselves in their training centers to protect the athletes.

“To add to this, many National Olympic Committees have vaccinated all of their athletes to provide them with better protection during the games. I hope the BOA, IOC and the Tokyo Organizing Committee have done everything possible to make these Games as safe as possible.