Paralympics 2016:
Taking a bow to Rio
Vanessa, how come you started archery?
Bui: At the age of 13, I tried to find a sporting activity where my handicap would not be too hindering and where the others would not have to watch out for me all the time. My father told me about his shooting activities in ealier years and when I got information about shooting I was especially interested in archery, so I completed a beginner’s course at the archery club. It was great fun – so I eventually started to take part in tournaments. I joined the national team of the German Disabled Sports Association in 2014.
You have spastic diplegia. What does that mean for you?
My leg muscles are pulling legs inwards, thus limiting my motion. Running is very exhausting for me. Archery, however, is all about stability and precision. My torso and my legs are less stable than other peoples’, but I can compensate that very well. I train at the archery club in Fürstenfeldbruck, together with the non-handicapped. My disability only played a role when the club had to change its statutes to ensure that I can participate in tournaments.
You are very successful. What is your next goal?
I take part in national and international tournaments and already went to the Netherlands, to the Czech Republic and to France. This year, I would like to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. At the moment, I train at the range for several hours every day and also have fitness sessions. At the end of July, the coach will decide which team members will be sent to Brazil. The decision will mainly be based on the question who has improved the most and who stands the best chances to win a medal.
In addition to being an archer, you are a student of Computer Science at TUM. How do you manage to balance it all?
Normally, when I’m not preparing for the Paralympics, I train only once or twice a week. Tournaments usually take place on weekends, so I can balance that with my studies quite well. This year, it’s a bit more difficult. I already took part in the European Championships in April and participated in a longer training course. Nevertheless, I actually have a normal semester curriculum with 28 credit points to finish my studies – which, in addition to the intensive preparations for Rio, is why I decided to add another semester to my course of studies.
You were granted a scholarship, the “Deutschlandstipendium”, three years ago? What does that mean for you?
The scholarship means a lot to me. The first two years, I was sponsored by MAN, this year by BOSCH. I think it’s great that different aspects play an important role – not only the study marks but also the personal circumstances. Of course it’s also a great help financially. Because of my archery, I don’t have time for a student job. Without support in the scope of the “Deutschlandstipendium”, I would have to economize.
(Interview: Sabrina Czechofsky)
Vanessa Bui, 23, is from Fürstenfeldbruck, where she still trains at her home club. After her “Abitur”-exams, she completed a vocational training course as an industrial technologist in Erlangen. Three years ago, she then enrolled for Computer Science at TUM. Now, she is in her 6th semester and would also like to do a Master’s course of Computer Science. In early August, it will be decided whether Vanessa Bui can take part in the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in September.
More information:
Vanessa Bui at the "Goldjäger"-Campaign
Deutschlandstipendium at TUM