Allergy touches every aspect of life. But you don’t have to accept your symptoms. If you can understand and manage your allergies, who knows what you can achieve.
Meet Matt Fullerton, a young athlete unleashing his full potential.
Allergy touches every aspect of life. But you don’t have to accept your symptoms. If you can understand and manage your allergies, who knows what you can achieve.
Meet Matt Fullerton, a young athlete unleashing his full potential.
Matt Fullerton is an archer. The sport demands concentration and total control over your breathing. Not easy with hay fever. Matt found out he was allergic to grass pollen 5 years ago – but overcomes it to train and compete at the highest level.
Matt held a bow for the first time when he was 3. He had a head start on his rivals; Matt’s dad was a champion archer and took him to training. The little boy fell in love with the sport and at 12 he started competing too.
Robin Hood wouldn’t recognise Matt’s bow. Patented in 1969, the complicated system of cables and pulleys help him fire an arrow at up to twice the speed of a traditional bow. With greater accuracy too. The compound bow is heavy though – almost like holding up a watermelon.
Matt held a bow for the first time when he was 3. He had a head start on his rivals; Matt’s dad was a champion archer and took him to training. The little boy fell in love with the sport and at 12 he started competing too.
Robin Hood wouldn’t recognise Matt’s bow. Patented in 1969, the complicated system of cables and pulleys help him fire an arrow at up to twice the speed of a traditional bow. With greater accuracy too. The compound bow is heavy though – almost like holding up a watermelon.
In competitions I’m just excited to aim, release and see that first arrow flying at an unbelievable speed – until it hits the target 50 metres away. I work with some of the best coaches on breathing techniques and mindfulness. Deep concentration only comes when you’re able to shut everything out. All surroundings. All noise. All distractions. An archer has to stay in the zone.
In competitions I’m just excited to aim, release and see that first arrow flying at an unbelievable speed – until it hits the target 50 metres away. I work with some of the best coaches on breathing techniques and mindfulness. Deep concentration only comes when you’re able to shut everything out. All surroundings. All noise. All distractions. An archer has to stay in the zone.
People are surprised when I say that. But it’s about getting into a rhythm of controlled, calm and deep breathing.
I take a big breath and get the bow in position. Another big breath while pulling and making sure I have the perfect aim. I exhale, but only halfway, before I release and make my shot. Just after, I exhale completely.
I started noticing symptoms of allergy when I was 13. I can’t remember exactly how it started. But once it was there, it seemed like I’d always had hay fever.
I started noticing symptoms of allergy when I was 13. I can’t remember exactly how it started. But once it was there, it seemed like I’d always had hay fever.
Allergy also runs in Matt’s family. His mum guessed he had hay fever. She whisked him off to the doctor, who did a test and diagnosed grass allergy.
Matt wasn’t exactly thrilled. No teenage boy would be. And Matt trains and competes outdoors. But a diagnosis is a positive thing when you have allergy. It unlocks all sorts of help. Matt now knows how to manage the symptoms that could have derailed his sporting ambitions.
Matt doesn’t let allergy define or restrict him. He’s competing in the 2021 World Archery Youth Championship in Australia. After high school, he plans to take a gap year to focus on archery. Going pro is the next step. And in 10 years’ time?
Matt’s dream is to be number 1 in the world. What’s yours?
Allergy also runs in Matt’s family. His mum guessed he had hay fever. She whisked him off to the doctor, who did a test and diagnosed grass allergy.
Matt wasn’t exactly thrilled. No teenage boy would be. And Matt trains and competes outdoors. But a diagnosis is a positive thing when you have allergy. It unlocks all sorts of help. Matt now knows how to manage the symptoms that could have derailed his sporting ambitions.
Matt doesn’t let allergy define or restrict him. He’s competing in the 2021 World Archery Youth Championship in Australia. After high school, he plans to take a gap year to focus on archery. Going pro is the next step. And in 10 years’ time?
Matt’s dream is to be number 1 in the world. What’s yours?
Allergic to pollen from grass, trees or weeds? Our app can help you manage your hay fever. You’ll get daily pollen, weather and air quality data for where you are, and personalised allergy info. There are loads of useful articles too. All on your phone.
Download freeLearning about your allergy is how you can take control. Find expert articles written in a non-sciencey way, along with practical tips to help you lessen the impact of the symptoms on your life.
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