This means that the current generation of Canadian archers operates in what Peters called an “athlete-led environment.”
“The structure is difficult,” admitted the 2024 Vegas Shoot bronze medalist when asked about the current coaching situation. “Ron is still a long way away for us.”
“That’s partly because of the reality of Canadian sport. That’s not unusual… it’s because of the reality of the funding situation we have with Sport Canada, and ‘Conquer the podium‘, which is part of the financing of our Olympic Committee.”
“I can’t say it was easy for everyone. At least until Paris we have to work with it and I think we did a good job and made the best of what we had.”
Peters also explained that the team has prioritized training together, although Canada’s size has previously made it difficult to schedule meetings.
Peters is convinced that a center, rather than a collection of athletes, is the best way to rebuild archery in the country.
“This version of the team is definitely a little more compact. Traveling is easier and we’ve made more progress in being a team, training as a team, doing drills as a team and interacting as a team to build a culture that will take us where we weren’t last year.”
Peters and his teammates certainly haven’t done anything wrong in 2024: The 26-year-old was part of three medal-winning teams, including Yecheon, and won silver and bronze in both the men’s and mixed teams at the 2024 Pan American Championships.
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