SHOOTING: THE OLYMPIC dream remains alive for Leamington’s Naomi Folkard after she progressed safely through to the last 16 of the women’s archery event in Rio.
The 32-year-old narrowly got the better of Indonesia’s Ika Rochmawati 6-5 before easing past London 2012 bronze medallist Kaori Kawanka 6-0.
The two victories moved Folkard into the last 16 and she now faces the tough task of facing home favourite Ane Marcelle Gomes Dos Santos on Thursday for a place in the quarter-final.
“I shot really well there and to carry on shooting well against a serious competitor does give me confidence,” said Folkard. “My practice was not good but the adrenaline gets you focused and gets you pumped.
“I thought I shot well in the first match despite it going to a shoot-off. There was just that one dodgy shot and it ended up going to a shoot-off. It’s quite rare to shoot that well in a first round and still have to get to that point.
“It’s a great venue here and they’ve dressed it really well. It’s good to have a good crowd they’re really supportive whoever’s shooting so it’s been good.”