GAS Bowstrings Pro Spotlight- Tracy Otto

After a life-altering injury, Tracy Otto decided to shoot archery and face down the largest goal you could set in para-archery: the Paralympics! With only a few years before August of 2024, Tracy only had a small timeframe to learn the sport, compete, and qualify. Now as August approaches, not only has Tracy garnered several first-place finishes in USAT events in the Women’s W1 division, but she has officially qualified for the Paralympics!

We thought now would be a perfect time to ask Tracy a few questions about her journey in archery and why she chose to shoot GAS Bowstrings!

 

What got you started in archery?

This is actually a funny story! Ricky and I were driving down the highway in March of 2021 and we were talking about me needing to find a hobby or something to fill my days as a new quadriplegic. I googled adaptive sports near me, and a program was right here in Tampa and they offered archery. I said I wanted to try it and Ricky looked at me and said, “but babe your hands don’t work!” And I said, “We will figure it out!!” I reached out to All People’s Life Center, and we went the following week to archery practice, they fashioned a bite tab for me, and I was HOOKED!! My first local competition was in July of 2021 and then in 2022, I competed in my first USAT Tournament.

 

 

Have you shot only compound, or have you shot other forms of archery? 

Yes, I only shoot compound, unfortunately. I don’t have the hand function or core muscles to shoot a recurve bow.

What is it like being a professional archer?

Umm, that’s a tough one to answer! I don’t really think about it. It is cool that I am starting to get recognized at tournaments, but it is fun I guess…LOL

Why did you decide to shoot GAS Bowstrings?

I had tried a few other strings, and something just wasn’t right. My coach got me a set of GAS Bowstrings and I just loved the feel of them.

What is a goal you have set for this year?

Winning Gold in Paris!!

What shoots are you planning on attending this year? Which one is your favorite?

I have Buckeye, Nationals, and then I will be competing in Paris. It’s hard to pick a favorite because I make new friends and memories at every tournament. International tournaments are always fun and exciting because you get to see a different part of the world.

Who do you look up to?

Umm… everyone because I’m in a chair!! HAHA

What is one piece of advice you could give about archery? 

Everyone should try it at least once. Who knows, it could change your life like it did for ME!

What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of archery?

Playing with my dogs and sleeping!!

Bonus Tracy Questions

You recently qualified for the Paralympics, which will be your first time attending!! How does it feel to have officially qualified?

Honestly, it feels pretty awesome. I am still not sure that it has hit me. LOL

What has been your most memorable moment in your archery career?

Winning gold in Santiago at the Para PanAm Games. It was a surreal moment and I had just officially qualified.  That moment on the podium was so amazing, it was my first time sitting atop of the podium, and it’s something I will remember forever.

 

We would like to thank Tracy for taking the time to participate in our pro spotlight! Congratulations on all that you have achieved so far and we will be cheering you on in August as you compete on the world stage!

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