WITH just over one week until the Paris Olympics – the world’s biggest sporting event –
Peter Boukouvalas from Sydney Olympic Park Archery Club, Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Club’s Rinky Hijikata, Western Sydney Two Blues and Rugby Sevens star Dietrich Roache and former Lidcombe resident Brandon Starc, will be flying the flag for Cumberland, hoping to bring home gold for Australia.TAKING aim at gold, Peter Boukouvalas is Australia’s only archery contender in what will be his first Olympics in Paris this month.
A member of the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Club, he will be among the best 128 archers in the world who will line up at the Esplanade des Invalides next to the Eiffel Tower.
Thrilled to be representing Australia at just 25, Peter only took up archery eight-and-a-half years ago after a ‘come and try’ day at Sydney Olympic Park and says the selection qualification for the Olympics was rigorous.
“There was a domestic trial and then I had to compete in three World Cup qualifiers as well as an international tournament and was lucky enough that my best average result saw me qualify for the Games,” he said.
He said that the world’s top archers, including himself, can all shoot 10s but it comes down to the best of three and then six attempts.
“Sometimes it’s just a matter of who blinks first and drops a point,” he said.
“All you can do is just shoot your best and hope it’s enough.
“I’m probably considered around mid-field but have as much chance as anyone to come away with a medal which would be amazing, pretty special.”
He said archery success was all about practising and building skills and archers in Australia were at a disadvantage since we have limited domestic competitions but he was proof that if you worked hard, you could achieve your dreams.
“Archery is a great sport and I would encourage others to give it a go, it’s accessible, suits all ages and something you can do with the family,” he said.
“I’m certainly pleased I did and very excited knowing I’ll be jumping on a plane on Thursday to take aim among the world’s best.”
Joining Peter to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics, will be Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Club’s Rinky Hijikata, 23, Western Sydney Two Blues and Rugby Sevens star Dietrich Roache, who grew up in Merrylands and Guildford, and former Lidcombe resident and champion high jumper Brandon Starc.
Hijikata is one of four ranked Australian players on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Tour and will compete in singles, making his Olympic debut.
He is currently ranked No. 75 in the world.
Starc, 30, won his fourth national high jump title in 2021 and in June in Rome, he cleared the Olympic qualifier of 2.33m, his best clearance for three years.
He won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and placed fifth at the Tokyo Olympics.