Last Sunday was the day I've been looking for a long time. I am MS patient but simply are addicted to archery. Since I live in The Netherlands, I can shoot 3D only. I had a bad MS-attack since oktober last year, followed by a serious flu, sinisitus, bacterial infection, more MS and so on. I was going downwards and doubted if I ever could shoot the bow again.

March the 18th there was a big 3D tournament, not too far away. I checked one week before, there was still place!

I hesitated a lot, not being sure if I was fit anough already, but registered and decided to go there. I did not expect to shoot the whole tournament, due to not completely being better yet (that's an understatement)

I selected after some weighing from my stock 6 wooden shafts. They were all between the 440 and 445 grains. I checked the straightness and corrected some. All they needed now was some fletching.

Then I shot them all a few times to see if no fletching came loose. I shoot in my garden, the maximum distance is 12 yards. When I shot three arrows after each other in a yellow memo sticker, I decided I was ready...

This was all my training the past half year!


Next morning I was there. I had to register with my Peregrine in the hunter-recurves, because it's a hybride and has no proper D-form. Even more difficult... there were plenty of big names there and they all shoot terrifying good. So no lack of challenges today!

Then I started. I missed the maximum three arrows on the first target. And that was it. I missed nothing anymore.

A lot of first hits and a lot of kills with the first arrow. I couldn't believe it! Then we came on a part with distance shots: 6 targets above the 50 yards. I didn't miss one, but for some I had to use a 2nd or even third arrow.

Before I knew it, our group had shot all of the 23 targets. I had a monsterscore. Then it was time for a quick lunch, and to begin with the hunter-round. That means just one arrow for every target. Halfway I was dead-tired and felt ill, but I persisted. I hitted 17 out of the 23 targets with my first arrow and even shot some nice kills. I ended on a beautiful 190 score, and there were a lot of archers who were just above the zero points, due to the plus/minus targets. (Plus/minus: when you hit the wrong target, you get minus 20 points. Mostly the minus target is in front of the plus target, making it very challenging. My favorites...)Wth the 312 of the morning, the total was good for 502.

Then it was time to gather for the prices. I just couldn't believe it: I beated them all! I became first!

My name was called, and I had to go to the jury to receive my price. All archers stood up and aplaused. They had heard about my illness. Man, I was proud! I expected all kind of things, but certainly not this!

I am graithful that the good Lord blessed me with this day!

I just wanted to share this with you guys and girls.

Equipment:

- Customized Cari-bow Peregrine, 45lbs@29" (my drawlenght)
- SBD 6 strands ultra string without silencers
- My own made woodies, Sitka Spruce, 450 grains, 100 grains fieldpoint and a FOC of 9%.

(Find the Hog! My first arrow did....)
       

   

Glad you were able to get out and enjoy yourself, and have an awesome showing to boot!  My wife also has MS, and I know all too well how bad it can get you down at times.

Man that is Awesome!! Keep up the good work!
Being outside and enjoying God's Creation and being involved in something you love is good for the Body and Soul ...
rick

Congrats! I am very glad for your success.Good things happen to good guys.
God Bless.

Thanks for your reactions! I won some prices last year, but this one is very special for me. I will always remember this day and thus I will always be remembered to never give up!

That is fantastic!  Good for you!  Hope you feel better soon.

   

Congrats and sometimes it just comes down to good attitude and persistence.

I am so happy for you! You have blessed my day.
Before this year, I had never met anyone with MS. Now I know how much it can mess with how you live your life. You have my utmost respect for meeting your challenge head-on, and coming out a winner. Your determination and skill overcame many advantages of your fellow archers. You are my Hero today.

Killdeer

Good on you brother! Thats inspiration!

good job !!!  congrats

What Mudd said!

A great day and a fine shoot !!

Congratulations and may there be many more.

THATS AWESOME  

Yes it is true, MS DOES mess up your life, but don't forget it is YOUR life! You may have MS, but that does not necessarily means MS got you!  

Awesome!

Congratulations!! You are "the man" again.
           
I know you love them.LOL
Abe

Well Done! What an uplifting and inspirational story. MS certainly DOES NOT have you!

Congrats on your outstanding shooting and strength of character. It sounds like your fellow archers are a great group also.