It was their collective dream to compete in the Commonwealth Games in the capital city, and when it did happen, their joy knew no bounds. Janette Howells and Jeanette Howells, 48-year-olds, twin sisters from the Wales archery team, waited for a long time but it has been worth the wait.
“Archery as a CWG discipline is happening after 28 years. We realised the magnitude of the event as this will be watched on television by all our friends and colleagues. We are really thrilled. There was tough competition to get into the Wales team,” said Jeanette, the older of the two by a couple of minutes, at the Games village, here on Wednesday.
Wales has sent only the compound team in both the men's and women's sections, and Janette felt that the women's team had a good chance of being in the podium mainly for their team spirit. “Our strength is our friendship and backing of each other,” said Janette.
The two have been successful in their chosen professions. Janette is a legal assistant with a firm of solicitors called Morgan Cole while Jeanette works with the local government in the environment section.
It was Jerry Howells, one of three brothers, who initiated the two into archery. The Pentref Bowmen Club is the place they have been training for the last 22 years and it's a venue they love as most of their nephews play archery as a hobby. “We love going there as it remains a family get-together for us,” smiles Jeanette.
Personally, the sisters felt they could win a medal in the CWG. While Janette said she'll be satisfied if she reaches the final, Jeanette said a medal would do for her.
For the two, CWG could be the swansong of their playing career. Janette and Jeanette are contemplating entering into the administrative and coaching side of archery. At the moment, their priority is to win a medal.
“I think we got a better chance than what people would like to believe,” said Janette.
