Isle of Wight youth archer Summer Chambers has impressed at the opening stage of the 2026 Junior Archery Series, competing up an age group to take on some of the country’s top young talent in Yorkshire.
The 15-year-old stepped up into the Under 18 Women’s Recurve category for Stage 1 of the national series, facing older and more experienced competitors at a longer distance.
In the qualification round, shot over 60m instead of her usual 50m, Summer recorded a score of 581 out of a possible 720. This saw her finish 5th out of 22 competitors – a strong result given the step up in level.
The afternoon saw the competition move into head-to-head matches, where pressure intensifies, and results are decided in a knockout format.
Summer’s opening match was against Isabel Mason. The contest proved extremely tight, going all the way to a shoot-off before Summer secured the win.
In the quarter-finals, she faced Eva Duffer in another closely fought encounter. The match once again went to a shoot-off, but this time it was Duffer who came out on top. Duffer went on to win the gold medal overall.
Speaking after the event, Summer said:
“Overall, I’m really proud of how I shot on Saturday. Competing at this level against older archers is tough, but experiences like this are what help me improve and push myself further.”
The Junior Archery Series is a national competition organised by Archery GB, designed to give young archers experience at a high level across multiple stages.
Summer is set to return to action for Stage 2 in Cheltenham on 9th May.
For 2026, Summer is sponsored by Isle of Wight Freemasons, Island Echo, Royal Wight Estate, LuxeLeisureResorts, House of Spice, OLS Building Services, CNC Coatings, Westridge Golf Centre and Red Funnel.
