March 27, 2008, 74-year-old Tilly Trotter made a one-in-a-million shot. The blind grandmother, known as “Robin Hood” among archers managed to split one arrow with another which is amazing because she completely lacks central vision..

Mrs. Trotter makes her shots with the help of her husband, who tells her where her previous shot landed. But, he doesn’t help her aim.

Blind luck helps archer make one-in-a-million Robin Hood shot

Visually impaired archers shoot with either recurve and/or compound bows. Recurve bows increase in tension as the arrow is pulled backward, thus making it difficult for users with limited mobility or strength. Compound bows are used by archers who are unable, for whatever reason, to draw a recurve satisfactorily.

Blind archers must have a spotter with them at all times for safety. The spotter tells the archer where the arrow strikes the target. Like Mrs. Trotter’s husband, they are not allowed to tell the archer where to aim. A clock face system; 3 o’clock blue 7 o’clock red etc; is used to give arrow location. In addition, changes to the assistive technology such as those listed below can only be made by the archer once they begin.

Assistive Technology for Blind Archery

British Blind Sport, a U.K. non-profit lists some adaptations and accommodations that people who are blind or low-vision use to participate in archery which include tactile locators, foot locators, and the use of “spotters”. Rules for Blind Archery

Foot locator for Blind archery

Paralympic Dreams

Blind Archery is the most recent sport to have official status within the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) and is now under consideration for full Paralympic status. It is accepted that there will only be two divisions to start with, male and female, and with the requirement that all archers wear blackouts or shades. On January 11, 2008, it was announced that blind archers would be allowed to compete in the Electrabel Paralympic Championships in Blankenberge, Belgium, on May 17-18, 2008.