Just like Robin Hood, a Prince George archer practically ran away with gold from Vancouver Island.
Liam Bennett never yielded at the 2019 B.C. Provincial Indoor Archery Championships, returning to the northern capital this week with the gold medal in hand from his Cadet Men’s Recurve division.
The Grade Eight student at D.P. Todd Secondary had some sharp arrows in his quiver during his first career provincial appearance.
He scored a combined 1,041 points out of a possible 1,200 at the two-day event from his 18-metre distance.
Contestants shot a total of 120 arrows, 60 each day, and Bennett kept his eye on the target by hitting 33 bullseyes and the nine-point ring 48 times.
The fourth-year marksman beat out nine other competitors in his category, outshooting two Richmond-based archers; second-place Richard Sima by 54 points and third-place Victor Yun Da Cai by 64 points.
Provincials were hosted by the Victoria Bowmen Association in Colwood over the Easter long weekend.
This was the second big event Bennett has participated in after appearing at Archery Canada's 2018 National Outdoor Tournament in Nova Scotia.
“He’s worked so hard,” Bennett’s father John told PrinceGeorgeMatters. “Ever since he picked up a bow and arrow, he’s had a lot of fun, dedicated a lot of time, and has really harnessed his skills in such a short time.”
Bennett is a member of the Silvertip Archers in Prince George.
The club is set to host the B.C. Outdoor Archery Championships for a second consecutive season later this year, where he and other local archers will look to defend home turf.
