Saffron Knowles - 

Hi I'm Saffron, I'm 13 and I shoot for the Bowmen of Wadebridge in Cornwall. I have a pet tortoise called Joyce, I play the Oboe, I enjoy stand up paddle boarding and sea swimming. But most importantly I LOVE archery! ️

I've been shooting since I was 5 years old and joined a club at 8. I mostly compete with my recurve, but also enjoy the odd bit of longbow for fun. 

I first shot for County Team (DCAS) in 2019 when I was 9. I was the highest scoring recurve archer on the Devon & Cornwall Team. Then unfortunately Covid came and lockdown happened which prevented me from shooting. 

In 2021, when things opened up again,  I gained my Junior Master Bowman classification. I took part in my first National competition and went to JNOC. I came first both days and got my first National Record in the Girls Under 12 recurve category and I came 2nd at JNIC. I was also GWAS Regional indoor and outdoor champion, and DCAS indoor and outdoor champion. I shot again for my County Team and I was awarded Ladies Grand Supreme for being the highest scoring recurve lady of the Junior Intercounties Tournament. In the Junior National Rankings I was first in my age and bow type and was ranked 25th in the under 18's. 

In 2022, after moving into the Girls Under 14 recurve category I came 4th at JNOC and 3rd at JNIC. I was once again Regional indoor and outdoor champion, and County indoor and outdoor champion. I again shot for my County Team, foregoing my invitation to Junior Masters and helped Devon & Cornwall to win the recurve team trophy. In the Junior National Rankings I was 2nd in my age group and 19th in the Under 18's.

2022/23 I started training with GB at Lilleshall as part of the National Talent Development Programme and with my Coach Nick Mitchell at Meriden who has been amazing.

2023 has been awesome so far. I've competed in my first GNAM, placing first both days and claiming my Gold Rose award, narrowly missing Purple by 6 points. I've also gained my Junior Elite Master Bowman classification. 

Archery has given me not just a sport, but an archery family. I love shooting and have made so many friends, not just from Cornwall but from as far away as Scotland. It's been part of my life for so long that I've met some of the most amazing people and visited so many places.

Thank you to Wales Archery Specialists for sponsoring me. I can't wait to see where my journey takes me, but I'm loving every minute doing what I enjoy most. 

Instagram: @saffron_knowles