Archer Kieran Slater hoping to represent Great Britain at Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 (From Gazette Series)

Archer Kieran Slater hoping to represent Great Britain at Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016

8:30am Friday 30th July 2010

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A DURSLEY teenager who was given a beginner’s course in archery as part of his 11th birthday present has now set his heart on representing Great Britain at the Olympics.

Kieran Slater, 16, has shown such a talent with the bow and arrow that five years on he is part of the Great Britain development squad, training at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall.

He has just returned from the European Junior Championships for under-17s in Germany, and although the 2012 Olympics in London is likely to come round too soon he has set his sights on going to Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Slater took a six-week course with the Bowmen of Minchinhampton and went on to represent the club, winning competitions around the country before his Great Britain call-up earlier this year.

His dad, Paul Slater, said: "It was always something he wanted to have a go at so my wife was ringing around local clubs for taster sessions.

"He’s set his heart on 2016, that is what he would like to aim at."

Kieran added: "It would be amazing to have a tilt at the biggest event every four years, going there representing my country and hopefully taking gold."

"I just enjoy shooting, I enjoy the feeling of doing it and it’s enjoyable winning - but that’s not the only part of it."

Slater, who trains for two hours a day, attended a selection weekend for Great Britain in April and was shocked to receive a phone call the next day being asked to represent his country in the Europa Cup in Italy Although he suffered first round defeats in the individual and team events at the European Championships earlier this month, Slater was recognised as the 45th best archer in Europe in his age group and enjoyed the experience.

He said: "It has been really enjoyable, we’re a really good team together and the feeling you get representing your country is amazing."

Slater was grateful to receive support from the Dursley Lions.

If anyone else is interested in sponsorship Slater to help him reach the Olympics, send an email to slater.p@btopenworld.com

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