They started out just trying something new at school. Now they’re eyeing gold, not just medals, but memories too—together.
They’re 14. They’re identical. And they’ve shattered 13 national records in archery before most teenagers finish their GCSEs. Ava and Amber Snell—the “archery twins of Gloucester”—are turning heads across Britain and beyond. Last week, inside the polished wood-panelled chambers of the UK Parliament, the girls were officially crowned “Global Child Prodigies” in archery. And they’ve got a new goal taped to the wall: Brisbane 2032.
From school playground to international stage
It wasn’t a family legacy. There was no grandfather who was a fletching master or coach in the backyard every evening. Their love for archery began with one random shot.
Back in 2019, during what was supposed to be a regular school activity, the Snell twins picked up bows and arrows for the first time. An instructor took one look at their form and leaned in close to their parents, Zoe and Jason: “They’ve got a good eye.”
That wasn’t just small talk.
Just a few years later, the sisters were breaking national records like they were ticking off homework. A total of 13 to date. One in particular stands out—Amber’s under-14 recurve distance score, which beat a record that had stood untouched for nearly two decades.
They train side by side, shoot side by side, and now they dream side by side too.
Recognised at Westminster, but grounded in Gloucester
It’s one thing to win medals. It’s another to be recognised by the seat of British democracy. On June 26, Ava and Amber walked into the Houses of Parliament, gold scarves tied around their necks, and received the prestigious Global Child Prodigy award.
The ceremony might’ve felt surreal, but their reactions stayed grounded.
Amber grinned, recalling, “It’s such an amazing achievement for both of us. When we started, we thought it would just be something fun to do.”
Ava echoed the surprise: “Very, very shocked when we heard about it.”
• The twins were among only a handful of young athletes globally to be recognised in their discipline
• The award covered achievements, potential, and international promise
Their mother Zoe, standing nearby at the event, had tears in her eyes. “They’ve worked so hard. But they’ve also just had so much fun.”
Life off the archery line
They’re not full-time archers—yet. Their life still includes typical teenage routines: maths homework, PE, friend drama, and weekend lie-ins. But they dedicate a good chunk of their after-school hours to training.
Unlike most athletes who train alone, the twins see their biggest strength in having each other.
One line Amber said during the BBC interview stood out: “We definitely want to try and get [to the Olympics] together.”
That word—together—feels like the point that holds the whole story tight.
Their coach, who’s worked with youth athletes across the UK, said their bond is a secret weapon. “They push each other, cheer for each other, and are competitive—but never at the expense of the other. That’s rare. That’s magic.”
Archery records they’ve shattered
A quick look at some of their notable scores:
| Athlete | Event | Age Category | Record Type | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Snell | Recurve 40m | Under-14 | National Record | 2023 |
| Ava Snell | Indoor 18m | Under-14 | National Record | 2024 |
| Both | Mixed Pairs | Under-15 | Joint Score Record | 2024 |
They’ve also each placed in the top five of national youth championships multiple times, with several podium finishes.
Olympic ambition and what comes next
The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane might still feel far away, but for the Snell twins, that’s where their eyes are locked. Eight years is long in most timelines—but not in archery.
To get there, they’ll need to continue developing through regional, national, and eventually international circuits. The next few years will likely include:
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Entry into GB junior elite archery squads
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Appearances at European and World Youth Championships
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Continued academic studies and training balance
They’re already on the radar. According to a source familiar with the British Olympic pathway for archery, Ava and Amber have both been scouted for potential early mentorship under Team GB’s development wing.
Gloucester, meet global stage
Gloucestershire’s proud. Really proud. Their local club has seen a spike in junior sign-ups since the twins began making headlines. Coaches there credit the sisters for being “walking posters for what’s possible when talent meets joy.”
At a local event last month, Ava was approached by a young girl who shyly asked, “Can girls do archery too?”
Ava smiled and handed her a spare bowstring.
That’s the story behind the headlines: Yes, the records matter. Yes, the awards are shiny. But it’s the quiet ripple of inspiration they’re leaving behind in Gloucester—that’s what feels Olympic in scale.
