Summerhill duo hits the mark at national horseback archery event
Balancing academic excellence with elite sport is no easy feat, but Summerhill’s Anushka Sharma and Jacqueline Richardson make it look effortless.
It was bulls-eye after bulls-eye for Summerhill School SA’s dynamic duo, Anushka Sharma and Jacqueline Richardson, who dominated the Phoenix Horseback Archery Event in Pretoria in mid-October.
Representing Summerhill College, both competitors shot their way to victory in the Rising Stars–National Level 0 category, combining precision archery with exceptional horsemanship to outshine a talented national field.
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Their standout skills earned them leading positions in their division, placing them among some of the best young horseback archers in the country.
The Phoenix Horseback Archery Event is considered one of South Africa’s premier competitions in this fast-growing sport, a unique discipline that blends equestrian mastery, athletic agility, and mental focus.
Excelling at this level is no small feat, and Anushka and Jacqueline’s success speaks volumes about their dedication, discipline, and passion for excellence.
Anushka’s mother, Shikha, praised both learners for their achievements, noting that their success reflects not only their own hard work but also the guidance of their coaches, the support of their families, and the encouraging spirit of the Summerhill community.
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“Throughout the event, both students embodied the highest standards of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity, exemplifying the values we uphold as a school,” said Shikha.
“Balancing academic excellence with intensive athletic training is no easy task, yet Anushka and Jacqueline continue to do so with grace and determination. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Looking ahead, both learners are preparing for upcoming district and national mounted archery competitions, where they will once again represent Summerhill College with the same passion and perseverance that brought them success in Pretoria.
“We look forward to following their journey as they continue to grow, inspire their peers, and make their mark in this exciting sport,” Shikha concluded.
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