Solomon Islands’ Georgianna Lepping has proudly returned from the first-ever World Archery Oceania Cup with two medals — a Gold in the elimination medal match and a Silver in the ranking rounds — marking a significant achievement for herself and the sport of archery in her country.
Held from October 10–12 in Denarau, Fiji, the Oceania Cup welcomed top archers from around the Pacific, and for Team Solomon — comprised of Georgianna Lepping (Compound), Janet Saru (Recurve), and Margaret Melue (Barebow) — the event was both a competitive and symbolic milestone.
Melue got gold as she is the solo competitor in her division.
In an interview with Star Sports, Lepping stated she didn’t get her personal best in the ranking rounds.
“But I achieved it during the 15-arrow elimination match,” said Lepping, who now stands among the region’s elite archers.
What made this feat even more remarkable was the lack of coaching support for the Solomon Islands team.
The three athletes trained independently in the lead-up to the competition.
“We all did our own training. I shoot at home with a recurve bow to keep my form sharp and my arm and shoulder conditioned,” Lepping explained.
“As a compound archer, I even build and maintain my own equipment. I learned online how to do fittings and adjustments on my compound bow.”
She credits much of her success to mental discipline.
“Mental stability is crucial in archery. I meditate, and I focus on both my strengths and weaknesses.
“I make notes during practice to ensure I continue improving. Through breathing techniques and meditation, I stay focused on my form and aim with every single arrow.”
Lepping reflected on the progress she has made since competing in the 2023 Pacific Games (PG23), where she had only five days of training with a compound bow before the event.
“Over the years, I’ve strengthened my draw and release cycle. This year, I finally managed to acquire my own compound bow through the support of family and friends who helped me fundraise,” she said.
“I brought two bows to Fiji and a full set of arrows to ensure I was prepared for anything.”
The first day of the tournament came with additional challenges, notably the strong winds at Denarau.
“We had to shoot against the wind — it was a completely new environment. At times, the wind would slow down the arrows or shift their direction mid-air. But it was a great learning experience.”
Lepping emphasized that while results matter, her greater mission is growing archery in the Solomon Islands.
“I see every challenge as a platform for growth, and I’m glad I now have the medals to prove it,” she said.
As Secretary General of the federation, she emphasized it’s important that they remain active and not just wait for the Pacific Games.
“That’s why I led our team to this inaugural Oceania Cup.”
She also announced the launch of her new initiative — “102 Archery Club” — aimed at growing youth participation in the sport.
“This experience has helped me network and learn how events are organized. I’m looking forward to taking U18 archers from my club to this Cup in the near future.”
Georgianna Lepping (Compound): Silver – Ranking Round, Gold – Elimination Medal Match
Margaret Melue (Barebow): Gold (solo competitor in her division)
Janet Saru (Recurve): Competed with strong performance in a highly contested field.
Together, the three-woman team brought home two Gold medals and one Silver, proudly raising the Solomon Islands flag high in this historic event.
“In archery, anyone can win if they shoot with good form throughout. I don’t worry about my opponents — I focus on beating myself and building from every round,” Lepping concluded.
The Archery Federation of Solomon Islands continues to work on expanding participation and competitiveness across all divisions.
As a technical sport, archery requires significant personal investment, particularly in equipment.
Lepping encourages those interested to get involved through her new club, with more opportunities for youth and emerging athletes on the horizon.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star Online
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: THREE OF THE FEMALE ARCHERS PRESENTING SOLOMONS AT THE EVENT.
