Gossip behind the Tent Line: Looking good for the Olympics

The following article is based on an interview of UK international compounder Ella Gibson by Greg Poole of BowJunky media. We'll be quoting Ella's own words about this situation and this formidable archer does not mince those words. The podcast will be linked below for you to listen to her directly. 

Archers come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny Japanese, Chinese and South Korean lady archers to chunky blokes who really need to lay off the Gregg's Steak Bakes, pepperoni pizza slices and fudge donuts (Oddly specific but I'm sure we don't have anyone specific in mind. Honest mister! ;o). Rarely do archers fit the mental image that the word "athlete" conjures up. However, we are athletes never the less. We practice a sport that requires core and shoulder strength, long hours of practice, skill, conditioning, mental toughness and intelligence. What it doesn't require is six pack abs, bulging biceps or athletic physiques. So where are we going with this.

Recently British world class archer Ella Gibson did a podcast interview with BowJunky media. An inside the industry podcast that covers everything from kit manufacturers to world class competitions and everything in between. Ella was discussing her decision earlier this year to lose weight for the sake of how she felt. Physically and about herself, as well as for her health. Ella is on the plus size and described herself as having got "bigger than (she was) a few years ago". But while she was being commended by Greg for her decision and progress, Ella dropped what we can't call a bombshell as its way bigger than that. She dropped a nuke!

Ella mentioned she had been in conversation with some people (not identified but suspected to be either AGB or World Archery representatives) regarding the LA Olympics. 2028 is the year where compound will feature as a trial sport in the games and MAY be added to the roster of sports if response and feedback is good enough. This is what Ella said ...

" .. People have said basically it is going to matter what we look like on that stage because we are going to be on TV and not because I want to look good because its TV. No, we want our sport to remain in the Olympics .." Ella continued ".. if the compounders don't collectively get in more shape, LA is going to be the only time we're in the games!" 

Ella did recognize where this is coming from from. "I get it but I don't think we need to look like models .. or super slim .. but we do need to look like we do do a sport. That it actually requires like some physical exertion .. and not just like everyone else on their sofa".

She also went into this was the same reason that archery was removed from the Commonwealth games. (Archery was last in the Commonwealth Games in 2010, Delhi, India.)

" .. I know one of the reasons it (archery) was was removed from the Commonwealth games was basically because of the way the compound archers looked."  The organizers opinion was "This sport isn't serious and we don't want them in the next Commonwealth games."

If we remember correctly, pistol shooting was given archery's potential slot in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games even though due to UK firearm laws, it would require to be shot in a secure location. This took place at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre on a military training area near Dundee about 70 miles northeast of Glasgow. The audience was pretty small due to the facilities being restrictive and it was acknowledged at the time to have been less than impactful. The stated aim of the games - encouraging sport in Scotland - failed completely here. Archery would have managed this so much better. Action on an archery range is far more visually impressive than a pistol range, with much more public access possible for viewing. Archery is of course many many times easier to take part in than anything involving firearms in the UK. Some simple research into the success of the 2010 Archery World Cup finals in Edinburgh would have hinted archery was a far better option.

This was compounded (joke intended) when at the next commonwealth games - 2018 Gold Coast, Australia - it was openly said by the organisers that compounders weren't athletes and they weren't wanted at the Aussie games. Seems Australia has a thing against compounders (Always liked Aussies. Editor) which is even rougher when you realize that the Olympics AFTER Los Angeles is Brisbane 2032.

So, getting back to the Olympics. This unstated condition for Olympic participation revealed by Ella is at odds with the original stated purpose* of the games and very much changes the nature of the Olympics. Now, not only do you need to be a sport with a significant following around the world AND be attractive to a younger audience (the reason for break dancing, skateboarding and BMX) as well as being "exciting" .. you have to be photogenic AND your sport reformatted for TV (the reason for archery being in a head to head format). The Olympics are now less of a sporting event and more of a visual extravaganza with a sporting theme. To be touted around the world to generate money for the IOC. This is something that has slowly been getting worse over the decades but now appears to be approaching its final form. Be pretty or buff when doing a currently hip with the kids sport if you want to be in our games.

There's going to be a followup podcast with Greg, Ella and Paige Pearce (US International lady compounder who is also plus size with definite opinions) which should be explosive to say the least. To finish up this article, we wish Ella luck in pursuing both the slot for the Olympics and the health regime. If you're reading this Ella, kick arse hen!

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* Olympism is a philosophy of life that unites sport with culture and education, aiming to create a better world by fostering human development, dignity, and peace through balanced physical, mental, and spiritual growth, emphasizing fair play, friendship, and mutual understanding .... but apparently only if you are buff.

Archery is currently under assessment for inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad, India. (Indians love their archery)

Bowjunky archery podcast Nov 29, 2025 - Ella Gibson talks about the above at 22 minutes in. As always, Greg's podcasts on Bowjunky are well worth listening to.