Local teen shoots for Paralympic gold in archery

Teen Archer Overcomes Adversity, Earns Spot on Paralympic Team

Four years ago, 15-year-old Jordan White had never held a bow. Now, he's Paris-bound, the youngest US archer in the Paralympics. "He does very well at screening out external distractors [...] His drive and focus keep him tuned in," said Roger Koss, mentor and former coach.

Jordan, from Cedar Park, faces challenges with a shortened right leg, requiring 20+ surgeries. Yet, he excels in archery, taking it up after baseball was canceled due to COVID. "I fell in love with it," Jordan said, relishing the feel of a perfect shot.

Archery is a mental game, and Jordan's mindset is a key asset: "That drive to better myself through archery kept me in the sport." He puts in the work, shooting 100 arrows a day, 6 days a week, and trains with a sports psychologist to maintain focus for the long tournament hours.

The teen competed in Arizona and Florida to secure his spot on the Paralympic team. He will now represent the US, shooting at a target 230 feet away, scoring to advance through elimination rounds.

Jordan's journey inspires: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jordan-whites-paralympic-dream

"I wasn't surprised by his perseverance and determination," said Jordan's mom, Amy White. His talent extends beyond archery, with a keen interest in math and science too. Jordan's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication, serving as a reminder that challenges can be overcome with focus and hard work.