How Difficult Is It To Become A Professional Archer?

There's a tiny but growing number of athletes who make an income from shooting competition arrows.

Archery has been historically not just a professional sport not, say, like football or tennis or golf. But, over recent years, more and more folks have already been able to earn a good living from representing their country, professional team or sponsors on the international archery tou ament circuit.

The world's top-ranked compound man, Stephan Hansen, is one of them.

"I have already been doing archery since 2002, and have already been a real professional since 2015," says Hansen. "I've never had to work outside the sport, and that is better paid than almost any I possibly could get. I've long term contracts and enjoy it, surviving with the amount of money I earn. It is a job for me now."

Learning to be a pro is not easy. Hansen says you'll need to dedicate your daily life to the search for excellence - and meaning practicing, day-in, day-out.

"A vital element of things is winning! An expert archer's salary is situated entirely how much he wins, and having good contracts. Also, if you win more, you attract more attention. With this coverage you can develop a good social networking base and make good MoneyArcher as more folks start to follow you," the 22-year-old Dane explains.

"I believe it helps to begin early; I was seven when I started and surely could learn things gradually. It's good to take steps slowly."

Hansen now shoots at major domestic events with significant prize pots in the USA, as well as the international events run by World Archery: "It's how I earn my living!"

It is a long, hard road to reaching professionally in the game, but Hansen believes that there's only one essential ingredient:

"Some people may be missing some determination, some could not need the confidence to go all of the way. For a few people, they may choose to go completely, but physically cannot achieve a top enough level."

"But really it comes down to the passion."

If that's the key, then passion is something this two-time World Archery Championships finalist has in abundant supply.

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