Milne and Lee Defy the Odds

Australia’s Para-archery team delivered standout performances on the second day of their Paris campaign, toppling higher-ranked opponents and showcasing their mettle on the global stage.                                             

In the women’s compound open 1/16 elimination round, NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Ameera Lee pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating veteran archer and former world champion Syahidah Nur Alim of Singapore.   

Lee, ranked 22nd after the ranking round, faced the 11th-ranked Alim, who is also a three-time Paralympian. In a nail-biting finish, Lee emerged victorious with a score of 135-133, proving that rankings are merely numbers. Joining Lee in the spotlight was teammate Melissa-Anne Tanner, who also competed in the women’s compound open 1/16 elimination round. 

Tanner, who was ranked 23rd, faced Costa Rica’s Maria del Pilar Riveros, who was in 10th spot after the ranking round. Despite the odds, Tanner delivered a stunning performance, securing a 137-133 win.  

In the men’s compound open 1/16 elimination round, fellow NSWIS athlete Jonathon Milne continued the Australian team’s winning streak with an incredible performance overcoming Japan’s Yuya Oe 147-142.  

Milne, who ranked 10th following the ranking round, showcased his prowess as he outshot Oe, who was ranked 23rd. However, not all matches went in favour for the Aussies. Patrick French competed in the men’s compound open 1/16 elimination round and faced a tough battle against Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang. 

In a closely contested match, under the gruelling conditions of torrential rain, French narrowly missed advancing, falling short with a score of 138-140 against Swagumilang, who came into the match from the ranking round in 12th place compared to French who ranked 21st.  

Reflecting on his defeat, French expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the narrow loss. 

“I’m really happy with how I went, my shots were good,” he said. 

“It was a close match, and a close match is always a good match. I’m happy to lose to Ken, someone I shoot with a lot on the international circuit.  

“I’m pleased with how my shots went, the majority landed in the middle.”  

French also emphasised the importance of supporting his teammates as they continue their campaign.  

“We’re all in this together, they need support behind them and that will be my focus” he said.  

“There’s no better place to get this experience – it’s the only place like it in the world, you can’t emulate it.”  

Looking ahead, both Lee and Tanner will continue their quest for glory in the women’s individual compound open 1/8 elimination round on Saturday. Lee will take on France’s Julie Rigault Chupin and Tanner will face Britain’s Phoebe Paterson Pine. 

Article and image courtesy of Paralympics Australia