Amelia Gagné's journey into archery commenced at a young age in her hometown of Peterborough, fueled by a simple desire to wield a "bow and arrow." 

Amelia, a dedicated archer and second-year Kinesiology student at Trent, has secured a spot on the Pan Am 2023 Canadian Archery Team in Santiago, Chile. This marks her debut as a member of the senior Canadian archery team. She will be competing at the games that run from November 1-5, 2023. 

“From the moment I picked up a bow and arrow, I knew I wanted to dive into archery,” Amelia, an Otonabee College student, shared. “Being welcomed onto Team Canada for Santiago is truly a dream come true. It's the culmination of countless hours of practice, the support of my family, the Peterborough community, and professors, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in archery. To represent my country on the international stage is an incredible honor, and I'm eager to showcase the skills and dedication that brought me here.” 

Amelia is truly dedicated to the sport, currently holding the top ranking in Canada for female Junior (U21) archers. “Being ranked number one in Canada for Junior archers is an honour I carry with pride, and it's a signifier of the hours I've invested in honing my skills.” 

Drawing the balance between sport and academics 

Balancing academic responsibilities in Trent's Kinesiology program with a demanding archery routine necessitates exceptional time management. Amelia deeply appreciates her supportive professors who extend their assistance during her demanding competition periods. Her secret to achieving this harmonious balance lies in her meticulous scheduling, which includes carefully crafting detailed weekly and monthly plans to manage her academic and athletic commitments effectively. 

“Juggling academics and archery is undoubtedly challenging, but the support I've received from my professors at Trent has made it possible. Their understanding and encouragement have been invaluable to me,” said Amelia. 

Reflecting back on how she got involved in the sport. She says what set her on this path was not a grand plan, but simply a bit of sheer curiosity and a desire to explore the art of archery. She also credits the Peterborough region, its vibrant and passionate archery community, and her initial club, Saugeen Shafts, for playing a pivotal role in nurturing her early development in the sport. 

“Peterborough and the surrounding community have been my rock in this journey,” Amelia shared. “The support I've received is incredible, and it's an honor to represent this region on the global stage.” 

Looking ahead, Amelia aspires to represent Canada at the 2024 and 2028 Olympics, as well as participating in World Cup events.