How did you come to archery and competing in the Master category?
I was introduced to the archery when I was 10 years old. It was one of many programs available and supported by government in Moldova, Soviet Union (in early 1980). The requirements were that you come to the range to train 2-3 times a week, and to start from bare bow on the blank bail at 3 meters for few months before you are moved to 18 meters mark. I have competed in the club shoots at 18 meters, but never own my own bow. I was fascinated by all fancy equipment older archers were able to shoot. Being from a poor family, I knew that my parents would never be able to afford and get me my own bow. However, I was always looking for an opportunity to shoot, or what I call “executing the shot” and started riffle competition in high school and continued for two years. I had to stop all my activities (shooting and ballroom dance), as I entered college, married and had kids, and later immigrated to America.
Three and half years ago, I met a bowhunter at a birthday party and from him learned that there is no age limit for archery, and I can actually take few lessons and try different bows. I made a decision that night, and in a month, I owned my own bow, a bow I would never have as a little girl in Moldova. In three months, I won my first California State 900 tournament in Adult Bowhunter category (NFAA), and I have been doing target shooting since then. This year I decided to challenge myself and try for USA Team trials in the Master division (USAT). It was interesting, challenging, and fulfilling season for me, as I made Team USA 2020 in Master Compound division; this season I have taken Silver in Arizona Cup, and Bronze at USA Open Nationals.
You recently had some amazing professional success. Tell us about your work in robotic surgery.
I am proud to work for an amazing company, Intuitive Surgical. I am a clinical research associate (CRA) and heavily involved in execution of Clinical Trials at Hospital and Academic Institutions. Intuitive Surgical is known as a the maker of da Vinci Robot, which is used by surgeons around the globe for minimally-invasive surgeries. Just recently, I was involved in the Prospective Multicentral Clinical Trial for Trans-oral procedure for resection of malignant tumor using single-port system. I am glad to say that we got FDA approval, and now multiple hospitals are using the system for this indication.
How do you balance archery with such a demanding career?
Sometimes I ask myself the same question. I learned how to prioritize and plan accordingly. I work well with timelines and trying to not to procrastinate. I cannot imagine myself not busy; I just wish I had a few more hours a day and few more days a week.
What is it that you do outside of archery?
As you know, I work full time and required to travel for work, I also own a business; I am a designer and seamstress. I make dance costumes; some of my costumes are featured on the Dancing with the Stars and World of Dance, and it takes significant amount of my evenings and weekends. I also like to cook, bike, and spend time with family.
I know you are recruiting archers for the Maccabi Games. What are the games? How are you getting ready yourself for them?
Thank you for asking me this question. Maccabi is an Olympic-style sporting competition for Jewish people, and it’s third largest after Olympics and FIFA World Cup. It was first held in 1932. United Maccabi games occur every four years in Israel, during July, and last for two weeks. In the latest 20th Maccabi Games in 2017, there were participating athletes from 85 countries. Can you just imagine that?! And they competed in 45 sports.
Maccabi Games in 2021 will be my first game. I am working with USA Maccabi Federation as a volunteer, looking for archers to come on board and join in next games. There is lots of work to be done, and I hope to find enough archers to join recurve and compound team match and mixed teams match.
The Archers Association of America negotiates discounts in travel and archery equipment for archers of all disciplines. To learn more or sign up, go to www.archersassociation.org.