Trials, targets and triumph: Local athlete taking stage at The Vegas Shoot
A Lloydminster archer who first picked up a bow at just five years old is now ranked No. 1 in Canada and is currently competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Sydni Keichinger finished the 2025 season ranked first nationally in U18 Indoor Target Compound through Archery Canada and is now testing her skills at The Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas.
“I started shooting at the age of five, but I didn’t start to take it seriously and compete until three years ago,” Keichinger said.
“What sparked my interest in archery was following pro archers online and seeing what they have been able to accomplish. I wanted to be just like them.”
That early inspiration has quickly turned into results.
“When I found out I was first, it made me super happy,” she said.
“Knowing that all the hard work I had put in has paid off is a great feeling I hope everyone gets the chance to experience.”
Built through repetition and resilience
Keichinger’s rise has not come by chance. Her weekly routine reflects the kind of discipline required to compete at the national level.
She trains three to four times a week at the Lloydminster Fish and Game archery range, often shooting around 200 arrows during the week alone. On weekends, she is frequently travelling to competitions, adding another 90 arrows or more.
But the physical repetition is only part of the challenge.
“The mental side of archery is the hardest,” she said.
“You could have the best form in the world, but if you have a bad mental game and fumble under pressure, you’re never going to be the best you can be. Most people say archery is 10 per cent physical and 90 per cent mental, and I believe that.”
A moment that defined the climb
One of the most defining moments in Keichinger’s career came at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Youth Classic.
After being knocked into the B bracket during elimination rounds, she fought her way back to the gold medal match. To win, she had to defeat her opponent twice.
She did.
“We were the only ones on the shooting line and everyone was watching from above,” she said.
“To come back from the B side and win like that was a very memorable moment.”
On the line in Las Vegas
Now, Keichinger is competing at The Vegas Shoot, widely known as the largest archery tournament in the world, drawing more than 4,500 competitors from across the globe.
“It’s one of the biggest shoots in the world and everyone in the archery community knows what it is,” she said.
While results matter, her focus heading into Las Vegas reflects her approach to the sport.
“My goal is to give my full effort on every arrow and be confident in the work I’ve put in,” she said.
She is also embracing the experience beyond competition.
“I’m excited to meet new people and take part in seminars to learn new skills that can help me in the future.”
Rooted in community
Despite competing on a national and international level, Keichinger remains grounded in the local club that helped shape her.
“It’s so cool that I get to represent my local club and hometown at such a big level of competition,” she said.
“There are so many amazing coaches who have helped me since I started.”
She credits coach Corey Skinner as a key influence in her development.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
A family pursuit
Archery is also a family journey.
Her sister, Saydi Keichinger, finished the season ranked No. 6 in Canada in U15 Indoor Target.
“It’s been fun training and shooting together,” Saydi said.
“She motivates me to do good.”
The two regularly travel together with their father to competitions.
“I have seen her grow through the years as an archer,” Sydni said. “Having her there is something special.”
Four local archers on the world stage
Keichinger is one of four youth archers from Lloyd & Area Archers competing in Las Vegas, alongside Quinn Williams of Spiritwood, Michael Malone of Lloydminster and Knox Eidsvik of Lloydminster.
Together, they are representing the region on an international stage.
“The experience will be surreal,” Keichinger said. “We get to share our love of archery with others who feel the same.”
More than medals
Beyond rankings and results, Keichinger hopes her journey resonates with others in the community.
“I hope to be a role model for younger kids,” she said.
“They are capable of anything if they put their mind to it.”
For those thinking about trying the sport, her message is simple.
“Perfection does not come easily. Hard work and passion are what is needed,” she said.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”
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