Steve Wijler, World Number 1

CMW: How does it feel to be World Number 1?
SW: It is really amazing to be crowned number one in the World, to be honest, I really did not expect this when I started archery.

CMW: Now you are Number 1, do you still look up to other archers?
SW: Yeah, of course, there are still a lot of amazing archers out there. I think that I am still not the best. So there is always room for improvement.

CMW: What is your next goal and why?
SW: I want to win the Olympics, in my opinion, there is no better way to have a good career than winning the Olympics.

CMW: If you could give some advice to a beginner, what would it be?
SW: Have fun and look for a good trainer, you can’t do it alone.

CMW: What has been the hardest part of your archery career?
SW: Being away from my family and friends so much. To be honest I really love to travel but it would be better if I could bring my girlfriend with me. But after all, I am living my dream, so I have to deal with the hard parts.

CMW: If you had to choose, would you rather judge or coach?
SW: Coach for sure, I hope to be a head coach one day.

CMW: What has been your favourite international event you have attended and why?
SW: I have been to a lot of awesome tournaments but if I have to choose, it would be Vegas I think. I won it last year and I really like the people out there. It is a really good vibe. But WC Shanghai is still the most special one for me, I do not think that I have to explain that haha.

CMW: How did you start archery?
SW: My dad bought a compound, and I wanted to be better than him. So I started at a local club and they shot with recurve bows so I never made the switch.

CMW: Which CustomMadeWrap product is your favourite and why?
SW: Just the normal wraps, with the CustomMade angle on it. It is extremely easy to use, really like it.

CMW: If you could design anything for archery, what would it be?
SW: A button with which I could turn off the wind haha

CMW: If you didn’t do archery, which sport do you think you would do?
SW: Moto GP, I really like motorcycles.

CMW: What are your goals for the indoor season?
SW: I am gonna do the best I can and try to win as much as I can.

Photographs courtesy of DutchTarget.com and World Archery Europe.