Virden’s Taylor Laffin proved she is one of the country’s best with a bow and arrow.
The daughter of Danette and Leon Laffin finished fourth at the Canadian Archery Championships Aug. 3-6 in Truro, N.S. in 3D in the cadet female compound unlimited category. She was just three points away from the bronze medal winner.
“I felt I did very well as this was my first national event and now I know how I have to prepare for next year in Saskatchewan,” said Laffin, who is going into Grade 12 at Virden Collegiate Institute.
Her strong shooting earned her a spot in the Grand Prix shoot-off against every category in female compound. Laffin made it through the first four eliminations but did not make the last two.
Homecoming
The Canadian Archery Championships were a homecoming of sorts for Laffin. The 17-year-old was born in Cape Breton. She moved to Virden in 2016. The best part of competing back in Nova Scotia?
“What I enjoyed most was I had the chance to shoot in the province I wasborn in where I had previously won provincial championships and got to see family and friends I previously competed against,” Laffin said.
Since moving to Manitoba, Laffin has claimed two outdoor provincial titles and an indoor championship as well. She won the Triple Crown tournament in 2017 and 2018.
Dad’s influence
Her father got her started in archery when she was nine. Leon Laffin is a successful competitive archer as well. He won silver at the indoor and outdoor provincials this year.
“I have been shooting the last 10 years or so and the best part is I get to do it with Taylor,” Leon Laffin said. “I think spending time together has made us closer as a family.”
As a child, Laffin followed her father to his club. She gave the sport a try and was hooked.
“I get to meet new people all the time. It's a relaxing sport away from school, work and the business of life. I also get to enjoy the quietness of being outdoors.”
Her father serves as her inspiration, coach and competitor, Laffin said. She also has a lot of support from the rest of her family.
Her older sister, Jennifer Moore, lives in Nova Scotia and proudly cheers her on from a distance. And her mom Danette, “loves to come to all of my competitions to watch me and is very supportive.”
