Lord’s experience will prepare McCarthy for the Rio deal

Talented teen athlete McCarthy will be attending the Games as both a spectator and a volunteer after being selected to help manage the archery event, returning competitors’ arrows.

The 16-year-old found out at a test event that she would be helping out at the archery which start today at Lord’s Cricket Ground and run through to August 3.

McCarthy is eager to get started and admits the experience of seeing the best archers in the world, including Leamington’s Naomi Folkard, up close will help her achieve her dream of competing at the highest level.

“I am really looking forward to being a Games Maker during the Olympics at the archery and being able to get a taste of the atmosphere,” said McCarthy, who benefits from being a member of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme.

“To watch the highest level of competitors in my sport will be very exciting and I hope it will inspire me to realise my dream of appearing at the next Olympics.

“The Games will also be a great opportunity to get more people involved in archery and I’ve already had some of my friends asking me more about the sport.

“I have been keeping up with my training and practicing my technique all year round even though there have not been many competitions for me.

“But I have improved so much since being a part of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes and joining the GB Olympic Development Team and it has really helped me become more confident in my technique.”

McCarthy, a pupil at Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls, says that Archery GB are in good form and could provide a tough challenge for the impressive Korean team.

“It will be a great experience and I am looking forward to seeing Team GB and the Korean team as they are the best in the world,” said the Royal Leamington Spa Archery Society member.

“Team GB have been doing really well in the team events recently and they have a great chance of picking up a medal, but Korea are undoubtedly the team to beat.

“I will be supporting Team GB, but I will especially be cheering on Alison Williamson as her coach also coaches me and she will be competing in her sixth Olympic Games.

“It is going to be really good as I’m going to be with a group of my friends as well, so I can’t wait for it to start.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, provides support and funding to 346 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond.

Since 2008, the programme has supported 1,000 athletes. Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes