Peter Argent, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Moonta Bay siblings Brock and Ava Penna have returned from the Archery Australia 2026 National Youth Archery Championships with multiple gold medals, a national record and national recognition after outstanding performances in Launceston, Tasmania in April.

Twelve-year-old Ava Penna won gold medals in the Compound Under 18 Female division in the Field WA 24Mk Yellow event — where she set a new national record — along with victories in the 900 Round, 720 Round and Individual Matchplay events.

Fifteen-year-old Brock Penna also impressed in the Recurve U18 Male division, winning gold medals in the Field WA 24Mk Blue and Doubles Matchplay events, while also collecting silver medals in the 900 Round, 720 Round and Individual Matchplay competitions.

Ava was also part of the successful South Australian Compound team that won the RGB Team Compound event and was later named Best All-round Female Compound Archer for the tournament.

Following his strong results, Brock has now been invited to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in August to attend selection trials for the Youth Olympic Games.

Only one male and one female archery position will be selected for the Australian team.

Held from April 8 to 13, the championships attracted about 150 youth archers from across Australia.

Competitors faced challenging conditions throughout the six-day event, including wind, rain, cold weather and shooting under lights.

Ava narrowly missed another medal after finishing fourth in the Doubles Matchplay event.

The Penna siblings’ dedication to training and hard work has paid off with impressive results on the national stage.

Both students at Moonta Area School, Brock and Ava have also represented Australia internationally, competing in Christchurch, New Zealand, during 2025.

The pair will next compete in the national indoor titles in August, with events to be held at venues across Australia.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 12 May 2026.