Takaharu Furukawa: Train with better archers

Want to see inside the mind of an international archery athlete? We’ll be asking some of the world’s best for advice, expertise and an idea of their approach to the sport. 

This time, London 2012 Olympic silver medallist and four-time Olympian Takaharu Furukawa answers our questions…

1. What makes the perfect archer?

A great archer must have respect for other archers and be a great athlete first, then repeat good performances and results.

2. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE?

Love the sport so you will be able to enjoy, then practise and work harder than anyone else, eat whatever you can to avoid an unbalanced diet, and be open minded to your coach’s advice.

3. Compare training and competition

It is the difference between having spectators and cameras or not, and the pressure of hitting the centre to win. But I always try to keep my mind on approaching training and competition the same.

4. Who's your favourite person to shoot with?

I enjoy practising with people who are really good in archery. It makes me feel I must work harder not to lose and also brings the quality of practice to a higher level.

5. Where do you get your motivation from?

What keeps me going back to my bow is my desire to improve. I try to think about the people who support me - coach, family, friends and the ones I love - and want to respond to their expectations. For that I must improve my performance, so I practise and work hard for it.

I compete because of my love for this sport and because the moment when you win is just wonderful.

6. How do you relax?

Look around you and there should be someone who is more nervous than you! 

World Archery’s International Archer Q&A series spotlights some of the sport’s best athletes. Got a question to ask? Contact us via @worldarchery on Twitter.