Senior Olympian returns to archery after 48 years

Senior Olympic participant and Polson resident Bob Byers hadn’t participated in an archery competition since his senior year of high school in 1969.

Byers, who lives on the lake shore in Polson, said archery was always “another outlet” for him.

“I enjoyed archery,” Byers said. “Most of us out here are here to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a nice activity to try again. Every state has a competition. I was hoping to find a qualifying tournament to go to Nationals. I don’t know if that is on the horizon or not but it is nice to recapture your youth.”

Byers, who is retired, said he now “enjoys” his retirement.

“In my retirement, I just golf, sleep, and tell lies,” Byers said.

Byers, who fuels his competitive edge by playing golf, said he really enjoyed the aspect of competition and chose archery because it was “relaxing.”

“It’s not like you are running a race and going over high jumps,” Byers said. “I enjoy most aspects of competition. I like the focus and mental discipline on a specific activity. I block out all of the other problems and concentrate on that arrow as it flies to the target. It’s like a source of meditation for me and I just find it relaxing to do.”

Byers, who participated in the Senior Olympics, said competing has brought back a lot of memories.

“I had to dig up equipment and silk arrows that I was shooting in 1969,” Byers said. “It feels great and brings back a lot of memories of some of the friends I used to compete with. I wonder what they are doing now.”

Byers said he encourages other people over 50 years old to “stay active.”

“I encourage people to golf, go bike riding, run track and field, and play Pickleball,” Byers said. “There are a lot of opportunities to enjoy your golden years. I don’t think I am that old and it’s nice to recapture a little bit of your youth. It was such a beautiful day and such a great setting here.”