The World Archery Excellence Centre has officially launched its new coach accelerator programme, welcoming four coaches from Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland and Lithuania this week in Lausanne.
All four participants are former competitive athletes. Kerrie Leonard competed at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics and Taru Kuoppa took part in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, while Teodora Ivanova and Paulina Alakvosciene complete this year’s quartet.
Leonard’s participation marks a significant milestone for the sport, as she is the first wheelchair coach to receive Olympic Solidarity support to attend a coaching education programme at the Excellence Centre.
“When this chance came, and I didn’t have to worry about covering the costs, I felt extremely seen – not just myself, but my organisation,” said Leonard, reflecting on the opportunity. “I see myself as an extension of representing Archery Ireland, and I want to bring back everything I learn here to help develop the sport in my country.”
The aspiring Irish coach, who retired from competition during the summer, said the transition into coaching felt natural.
“I’d love to coach the Irish team – to be there with them at competitions, helping them perform at their best. I think I’m a good listener and I always have the best interest of the archer at heart.”
Leonard also spoke about the importance of visibility and lived experience in para archery, recalling that her first coach was a wheelchair user.
“That gave me confidence straight away,” she said. “It showed me there was a place for me in the sport.”
She now hopes to pass that same belief on to others.
“If I can help bring more people into the sport and drive standards even higher, breaking down barriers between Olympic and Paralympic archery, I would be extremely proud – that’s the legacy I want to leave.”
