ARCHERY has taken Lucy O’Sullivan all over the world.
In 2017, the Islander claimed silver at the World Cup in Berlin and 17th in the World Championships in Mexico.
While taking a recent step back from the competitive side of archery for Team GB, O’Sullivan continued her love affair for the sport as a reporter for World Archery, travelling all over the globe as part of their media team.
The archer’s retreat from the international stage has presented an opportunity to don the Jersey colours once again at the Island Games, for the first time since the Caesareans played host in 2015.
Coupled with her only other Island Games appearance, at the Isle of Wight in 2011, O’Sullivan has collected two golds, three silvers and a bronze medal and has her sights set on adding to that tally this time around.
She said: ‘I don’t have that Team GB feeling this year, so being a part of Team Jersey is really special.
‘In previous years I would be tied up with the World Championships around the Island Games, so I have missed out on a few opportunities to represent Jersey.
‘Because I knew that I would not be a part of that set-up, the Island Games has been the primary focus this year.
‘I am very goal driven and needed this opportunity as something to work towards.’
Unlike many other disciplines, which enjoy a long tenure as part of the Island Games, archery has been dropped at times, but fortunately for O’Sullivan and Co, its reinstatement has come at the perfect time.
‘Archery isn’t always at the Games, so I am very grateful to Guernsey that we have the opportunity to compete.
‘It probably makes it that much more special for us to compete. The team have been working so hard since last year and we have a great group. I think this is the most prepared we have been for an Island Games.
‘We are all ready to get going. There is a nice blend of some younger archers as well as those with previous Games experience.
‘We all get along well and I think that is key for any side that wants to go in with medal aspirations.
‘On a personal front, I know it will be tough. The wind is expected to be strong and that’ll make things very tricky.
‘I have been preparing as best I can, while juggling work both in Jersey and for World Archery.
‘I want to fight for medals, but I know that will be no easy task.’
