Life often demands defining moments, and I've made my choice – to become a success story and proudly represent my country. Amidst the intense training, sweat, and tears, the joy of doing what I love is immeasurable.
Nottingham was the ultimate opportunity to qualify for "Rio 2016," blending a European Championship and a quota qualifying tournament. More than a competition, it was a dream to explore Great Britain, a dream that materialized during this trip. I also agreed with the "Something Something" team to capture more footage for our documentary, adding an exciting layer to the experience.
Our journey took us through Istanbul, a familiar yet vast airport, then to Birmingham, and finally, a cab ride to Nottingham. This trip stood out as one of the best experiences I've had.
The picturesque beauty of England unfolded, even in the limited time I had. Nottingham, with its sprawling university campus and beautiful surroundings, proved to be captivating. The absence of rain during our stay and the abundance of sports facilities on the university campus made it a truly remarkable visit.
Our hotel, centrally located, provided a breathtaking view of Nottingham Castle. The castle, meticulously maintained, housed a statue of Robin Hood that became a source of inspiration for the entire team.
But the primary focus was the competition, my last chance to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Despite a few recurring mistakes during training, my overall form and technique were on point. The engaging presence of the "Something Something" team kept my mind occupied during crucial moments on the shooting line.
On the competition day, I awoke calm and decided to explore the city before the afternoon shooting session. This time, my performance showed marked improvement. Unlike previous competitions, I maintained consistency, with my first 6 arrows never leaving the red. The first half ended with a score of 301, a personal best and a national record.
The second half mirrored the first – good form, excellent timing, and minimal wind. Until the last round, where excitement about my score crept in, and I faltered, dropping 15 points. Regardless, my total score was 599, another personal best and a new national record.
I knew I let it slip. But, I was happy. I shot better than ever before. I had moments of brilliance and moments of calm where I was fully engaged with what I was doing. I knew, that if fear hadn't crept in during the last round, I would have had another 10+ points, sending my score above 610, which would have been amazing. Nonetheless, I was happy with what I did, though I knew that that score wouldn't help. I knew that I was going to be paired to shoot versus a strong opponent who qualified as a higher seed than myself.
The elimination rounds are when the real battle begins. It's you versus your opponent. It's your mind over someone else's. It's whether you can keep your nerves, keep calm, and repeat what you know you can do.
I couldn't. I tried my best, but my opponent was far to big of an obstacle for me to pass. I failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics. (There is one more chance, the invitation, however, I don't believe I'm going to get an invite).
Post-competition, we explored the city's historical landmarks, such as a 15th-century church, and the warmth of the locals made the experience even more memorable. Nottingham emerged as the best place I had visited. Probably, due to my love of English novels, wherever I went, I saw some Dickens, some Orwell, and some Bronte. The walks around the city gave me clarity of mind, and some fun to.
Returning home with newfound energy, my resolve to train relentlessly for a shot at the Olympics was stronger than ever.
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