Plainfield Student Wins Archery Gold Medal

PLAINFIELD, IL — Heritage Grove Middle School eighth grader Dana Janiec beat more than 80 archers to win a gold medal in the Junior Olympic Archery Development event in early March. Janiec, 13, competed in the USA Archery’s Indoor Nationals in 13-15 age division for the compound bow. She has also won a bronze medal from the same competition and a silver medal from the USA Archery Outdoor Nationals.

Janiec has been competing at the national level for several years.

“I did really well the first year so it just pushed me to keep going and get that first place,” she said.

Janiec was surprised she won gold because she had not been practicing due to an injury and equipment problem.

“I was just there to build up strength, have fun and enjoy the time with my team,” she said. “I didn’t think, ‘Oh I have to get first,’ so I was in a much better mindset for (the competition.”

The future Plainfield North High School student plans to compete in the world trials next summer.

Last year she missed the top eight in her age division by four points.

“Every time I pick up a bow I get that same rush of excitement and I’m ready to do the best I can,” Janiec said.

Photo: Heritage Grove Middle School eighth grader Dana Janiec won a gold medal in early March at the USA Archery’s Indoor Nationals in Minnesota. She competed against more than 80 other girls in the 13-15 age division using a compound bow.

Submitted by District 202