Oklahoman Inspired By Actress To Pursue Rewarding Sport

Picking up a hobby later in life is pretty common, but one man's new passion took him to national success.

For Larry Seale, it all started with Geena Davis.

"In the '90s, she got hooked on archery and tried to make a run at the 2000 Olympic team," said the recurve archery champion.

The trials were held in Tulsa.

Motivated to get back to competing at the highest level, the former bodybuilder at the University of Oklahoma, "kind of put it together and figured I'm going to try archery."

Just like any other sport, it's a process to become as accurate as he is. It starts with getting set, physically and mentally, then putting it together with concentration and focus, to release the perfect shot.

"I've probably spent about 2,000 hours in the last three years on shooting," Seale said.

Seale chose recurve archery and he's become a very good shot.

"Pressure forces you to perform when it counts," Seale said. "And when you can successfully pull that off, it's a feeling that's kind of hard to bear."

Seale knew this was the sport for him. Three years ago, when he started, he placed third in a national event. Fast forward to the present, and he won the first place in the National Senior Games in Ohio this month.

So, for Seale, he's found something he's good at that he can continue to do at his home away from home.

"It encourages and attracts people that are hard workers and have a sense of humility about them," Seale said.