Ready, aim, shoot.

Simple instructions, but a lot harder to implement in real life when it comes to firing an arrow at a target.

Virginie Chenier picked up a bow six years ago, and last year won gold at the Canada Games.

She has represented the nation at three world youth championships, and holds most of most of Canadian records in the Cub and Cadet categories.

But Canada's version of Katniss Everdeen did not always aspire to be an archer.

Until she switched to the range, Virginie was often found practicing gymnastics, a background that has proved very useful.

"Gymnasts have the back. The muscles in the back are really developed, so I went, and it was love at first touch," said Virginie.

Shooting with a bow may seem very romantic and swashbuckling, but target shooting requires strict discipline, something that Virginie has in spades.

"It's a sport about precision and I'm a perfectionist," said Virginie.

Some of her teammates, including Olympic contender Patrick Rivest-Bunster, say Virginie will be a top-level international competitor.

"I saw a lot of people pass by in 13 years," said Rivest-Bunster. "She's one of the best."

 

 

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