Maple Ridge archer wins national barebow gold

Maple Ridge archer Gabrielle Courtorielle has won gold in the women’s barebow division at the Canadian Target Nationals in Gravenhurst, Ont.

The championships ran from Aug. 7 to 15. Courtorielle qualified fourth for the finals, then advanced to the gold-medal match. After she and her opponent were tied following five rounds of three arrows, the title was decided by a one-arrow shoot-off. Her arrow landed closest to the centre.

Courtorielle also earned bronze at the 3D Canadian Championships, where competitors shoot at life-sized animal-shaped targets.

She said she was still surprised by the gold medal and was proud to return home with two medals. Courtorielle teaches archery at Burke Mountain Archery Club in Port Coquitlam.