By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Maestro Shaylen, 9, has few peers when it comes to shooting targets.
The Upper Beaconsfield archer holds an incredible 72 state and nine national records – despite shooting at an older age division.
At her first nationals – at age six – she won three out of four gold medals in the 13-year-old-and-under division. In that campaign, she also broke three national records.
Her latest target, however, requires some community help.
Her mother Tiarnee Lowe has put out a crowdfunding plea on social media for donors to help Shaylen take part in 3D Archery Association of Australia national titles in Nambucca Heads NSW on 9 November.
Ms Lowe, a single mum, said some unexpected financial setbacks including a massive veterinary bill for the family’s horse had led to the desperate call for help.
As for Shaylen, she’s just looking forward to shooting the lights out at the national titles, oblivious to the budgetary crisis.
“She’s been talking about it for 12 months,” Ms Lowe said.
“She takes her archery gear to school – her teacher says she talks about it.
“If she doesn’t go, it’s going to tear her apart.”
Ms Lowe said she had no idea where Shaylen’s freakish talent comes from.
She’ll take a look through binoculars at a target about 40 metres or so away, then mentally estimates the range -without any sights – and hits the bullseye.
“Everyone says she shoots on instinct.
She’s a natural – she doesn’t use technology, she just shoots it.”
From the first time she picked up a bow at 5, she was astounding her mentors.
Every Sunday, the Berwick Primary student trains for hours at Diamond Valley archery club in Yarrambat under the watch of coach Cordell McGuire.
The long drive and hours of training are worth it, says her mother.
“I’ll keep supporting her if we can,” Ms Lowe said.
“She just loves it.”
To donate to Shaylen’s national titles campaign, go to https://ozcrowd.com/campaign/4118
