Local archers win European medals in Turkey

Two archers from near Newtown have returned from Turkey with European medals after representing Great Britain at the European Grand Prix Spring Arrows competition in Antalya.

Megan Costall, 22, and Alex Sillitoe-Price, 15, competed as part of the Archery GB World Class Programme after qualifying for the national squad.

Both athletes train full time at the Performance Archery Centre at Lilleshall National Sports Centre and travelled to Antalya for the week-long competition.

The pair impressed during qualification, both finishing ahead of their GB team mates to secure places in the team events.

Megan, one of the oldest athletes in the squad, helped the women’s team secure a bronze medal before teaming up with Alex in another medal match.

The duo pushed hosts Turkey all the way in the final, forcing the match into a one-arrow shoot off before narrowly missing out on gold to settle for the silver medal.

Officials said the deciding arrows were only fractions apart from the centre target.

Megan has been involved in archery for 10 years and said dried mango is her preferred pre match snack to help maintain energy and concentration during competition.

Alex, who has only been competing in the sport for four years, said he focuses on hydration before matches and listens to Livin’ It Up by Limp Bizkit to stay calm before shooting.

Both athletes are part of the GB Olympic pathway squad targeting selection for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The team’s attention now turns to the European Championships, which will also take place in Antalya later this month.