Home Page Haverhill News

STUDENT Stephen Gooden has just made a triumphant return from France where he won a silver medal in the world Archery Championships.
Stephen, 22, of Westward Deals, Kedington is a student at Liverpool University and only narrowly missed out on the gold medal. He stormed through the semi-final beating a Hungarian archer 116 (out of 120 points) to 113 points to set up a Great Britain against USA final against Dave Cousins.
It was always a David and Goliath battle with Dave a professional on the US archery circuit, while Stephen mixes studying with summer work and tries in vain to find sponsorship to help fund his £1,700 trip to France.
However, with all the odds against him Stephen shone through. Opening with three nines to Dave's three tens, a maximum score, Stephen was three points down with only nine arrows left to shoot.
Despite a gallant performance he could only back one point, loosing 114 to 116. He walked away with the silver medal, an outstanding achievement in itself.
After the match Stephen was really ecstatic.
"I'm pleased to have won the silver medal in my first world championships. Obviously I wanted gold, but that will have to wait for next time," he said.
Stephens success was achieved in the Compound Bow section and he, Christopher White and Michael Peart from Suffolk were also taking part in the team event.

Picture caption: Stephen Gooden: Silver medal winner.