The 2024 Northern Gauteng Championships, held against the backdrop of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, showcased the resilience and spirit of archers from across South Africa. John Filmalter reflected on the journey that brought him and fellow archers to this prestigious event.
John Filmalter, a seasoned archery competitor and advocate for the sport’s growth, has consistently excelled in archery. At last year’s Northern Gauteng Championships in the Magaliesberg, Filmalter emerged victorious in the Senior Master Class. This year, he once again demonstrated his prowess with a second-place finish, adding to his impressive track record.
Achieving such consistent excellence in archery demands a blend of physical and mental attributes, along with dedicated training. Physically, archers need upper body strength for drawing the bowstring and core stability for balance. Mentally, focus, concentration, and resilience are essential for navigating the challenges of competition.
The 2024 Northern Gauteng Championships, held against the backdrop of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, showcased the resilience and spirit of archers from across South Africa. Filmalter reflected on the journey that brought him and fellow archers to this prestigious event.
“Last year, we decided to introduce African Bowhunting Organisation (ABO) 3Di South Africa competitions to the Northern Cape,” Filmalter explained. “Our goal was to develop new archers and encourage seasoned hunters to embrace the thrill of competitive archery.”
“The main drive was to develop new archers, whether they chose to shoot a full-powered compound bow or a traditional bow and anything in-between,” Filmalter told the DFA. “Encouraging hunters with bows that were only used once a year to participate in 3Di South Africa competitions could help them develop their skills and proficiency while enjoying a new sport,” he added.
Filmalter had first ventured into the Northern Gauteng Championships last year, held in the Magaliesberg mountain range, and his entry proved fortuitous. “To my surprise, I won my class, the Senior Master Class, which is for the younger 65+ year old kids,” he joked.
This year’s championship, with its challenging course and rugged terrain, provided valuable lessons for participants. Archers from Kimberley’s plains had to adapt quickly to the hilly landscape, a stark contrast to their usual shooting environments.
Among them, Phillip Coetzee’s third-place finish in the Advanced Hunter Class and Junior Fourie’s commendable fourth-place finish highlighted the emerging talent within the Diamond Archery Club. Filmalter himself secured second place, further solidifying the club’s reputation.
Looking ahead to the National Championships, Filmalter and his fellow archers are determined to build on their successes. With a focus on skill, determination, and respect for tradition, they embody the spirit of archery.
In the realm of archery, where each shot reflects skill and resolve, the 2024 Northern Gauteng Championships stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and the determination of its competitors. As preparations continue for future competitions, the Diamond Archery Club remains committed to honing their skills and equipment for continued success.
