13 March 2008 - Jamie VAN NATTA (USA): “It’s an Amazing Life”

Jamie VAN NATTA (USA): “It’s an Amazing Life” January 2008   My name is Jamie Van Natta and I am thirty years old with a degree in Computer Science Engineering and a minor in Philosophy. I live in Toledo, Ohio, in the United States of America, and 40 hours a week I am a systems analyst for the University of Toledo. I am also a professional archer. I am blessed to be able to travel the world and shoot my bow. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to visit some amazing places on the World Cup Circuit and I am happy to share some of my thoughts and feelings about the past years’ experiences.   Many things have made this a memorable year. I went scuba diving for the first time ever at the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. While at the World Championships, I took a walking tour of Berlin, Germany. I shot for two gold medals in the World Cup tournaments this year. In Varese, Italy, Petra Ericsson and I had the dubious honor of nearly having a parachutist land on us during our final match. It made for an interesting exercise in concentration. In Dover, I came prepared for the worst weather imaginable because I had been told many times how windy and cold and rainy it was in England at that time of year. Of course, it was nearly perfect the entire time we were there. It was in Dover that I finally received my first World Cup Individual Gold Medal and Balmain watch, which, after 7 attempts, was a sweet success all it’s own.    By far the most amazing venue and location was the World Cup Final in Dubai. Truly, it was luxurious beyond my wildest dreams there. I have stayed in some nice hotels and been to some beautiful resorts but here was the best of everything all in one place. The hotel treated us wonderfully; the grounds were immaculate with flowers everywhere you looked; the ocean and beach were blue and white and perfect. My only regret was that I had only 78 hours in this fabulous place.    The archery venue in Dubai was quite unique as well. I’ve never shot on a platform over water. The way that the organizers made the venue friendly to spectators as well as archers was great. There were some challenges that were overcome with many people working very hard to make the tournament a success. I want to thank all the organizers and workers that made this event the beautiful thing that it was. I will also remember the closing dinner of the Final very fondly. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and togetherness to see everyone, archers, sponsors and organizers, in an intimate setting enjoying themselves with good food and good friends.   Next year holds many exciting experiences as well. I will be able to return to both Porec, Croatia and to Antalya, two of my favorite places on the tour. I am delighted to get to go to France, as I have never been there, but took many years of French in school (time to get those books out again). The Dominican Republic has long been known as a popular vacation location on this side of the ocean and I am eager to see it for myself. And I hope to visit another great city for the Final again. I’ve now been to two World Cup Finals and as they say, “the third time’s the charm.”   I try always to remember how lucky I am to be doing what I love, getting to perform in these amazing locations—that other people of my age can only dream of. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to those who make being an archer today so exciting and memorable and worthwhile.   Jamie Van Natta