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Naomi Folkard to make Tokyo her fifth Olympics

22 April 2021

Lilleshall, Great Britain

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Naomi Folkard shoots during eliminations at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Great Britain’s archery squad at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be led by the ultra-experienced Naomi Folkard. She’s joined on the women’s team by Sarah Bettles and Bryony Pitman, while Tom Hall, Patrick Huston and youngster James Woodgate will fill the men’s places.

Britain was arguably the surprise nation to qualify two full teams at the 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships in ’s-Hertogenbosch.

“I’m happy and satisfied. It now feels normal and kind of homely, where I belong,” said Folkard, who announced that she would retire after Rio 2016 but backtracked after a career-best finish at those Games.

“I think experience is beneficial. Youngsters often get overwhelmed in matches, and you can win matches at the Olympics just by keeping your mind in a sensible place.”

Folkard finished seventh at the Rio 2016 Games.

She made her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004, having been the reserve in 2000, and has since been to Beijing, London and, five years ago, Rio. Now aged 37, Naomi became a first-time mother in February and is also currently chair of World Archery’s athletes committee.

Tokyo will be Patrick Huston’s second consecutive Olympics, while the rest of the team are headed to their first Games.

It was also announced that Jess Stretton, John Stubbs, Nathan MacQueen and Hazel Chaisty have been selected for the upcoming Paralympics. Additional quota places are still available, and this roster is expected to grow.

Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020, Mark England, highlighted the unique mix of experience in the squad.

“From an athlete set to participate in their fifth Olympic Games to one who is taking a gap year from university studies to focus on becoming an Olympian. That really is quite exciting,” he said.