Amy displays her recent medal collection.
SIBU: Top local archer Amy Wong Siew Tin will make her international debut in the World Archery Sydney Indoor Festival in Australia on Jan 10.
The 17-year-old Senior Middle Two student of SM Catholic High is keeping her fingers crossed, hoping to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
“Hopefully, I can return with a medal to showcase and win something for our country,” said the soft-spoken student who excelled in the compound event.
Amy is believed to be the only Malaysian archer to receive an invitation from the organisers in Sydney.
“I received the invitation some six months ago but did not accept the invitation due to my school commitments and other logistical problems.
“I only decided to take up the challenge recently after receiving strong encouragement and support from my family members,” she revealed.
Amy’s involvement in the sport started when she was 13 after she followed her mother cum archery coach Tiong Hung Sing to watch an event.
“It was an occasion worth cherishing after I watched other people practising their skills at an archery range.
“It was also the first time that I took up the bow and guided by my mother, I began to develop an interest in the sport.”
In 2016, she took part in the inaugural Sibu Division Inter-Schools Archery Competition and collected her first gold medal.
“That was an inspirational moment and it really spurred me to work harder as I aimed for better results.”
Since then, she has taken part in many local and national tournaments and won numerous accolades.
Her latest achievement came when she scooped four gold medals at the 2018 Sarawak Outdoor Archery Championship held in Sarikei last June.
The gold medals came in the individual event, mixed-team event, ranking and overall title.
This led her to gun for international competition.
Currently, she is training at Falcon Archery Club which was founded by her mother.
“With my mother at my side giving me all the necessary and advice, she is my best coach to guide me as I prepare myself for the Sydney meet next year,” Amy said.