European honours for archer Scott (From Stroud News and Journal)

European honours for archer Scott

A YEAR 7 pupil from Archway School has overcome competition from his adult opponents to become European Champion in the sport of Field Archery.

Scott Freemantle, from Quedgeley, became European champion after four days of intense competition at Old Warden in Bedfordshire.

Twelve - year - old Scott defeated archers from several European nations and posted a record total score that surpassed all adult entrants in his category.

There were not enough competitors in Scotts age group so the youngster had to shoot against other adults but this obviously did not worry him at all.

Scott first picked up a bow and arrow when he was playing in the garden at the age of three and he showed that he had a bright talent right from the start.

His mother Stella said: "He is a total natural at the sport. One of the most impressive things is that he does not use a sight for shooting because he has got a brilliant eye for the target."

Since then he has developed into a skilled competitor and he has been entering competitions for at least seven years now.

He also holds national titles in England, Wales and Scotland as well as the recently acquired European title.

Scott moved to the area a year ago after living just outside of London but he still travels back to train and practice at his club, Fleet Ibex.

The talent and passion for Archery must be in the genes of the Freemantle family. Scotts father Clive, who is also his coach, was European Champion in 1994.

Every weekend Scott is in competition and he travels all over the country to take part in events and tournaments.

Scotts next challenge will be the Championships staged by the English Field Archery Association in Yorkshire during the August bank holiday weekend, and he will be hopeful of continuing his superb run of successful results.