PETER Jackson wouldn’t know it but his film trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings ultimately played a part in one Gwent teenager’s quest to compete at the Olympic Games.

Cwmbran’s Thea Rogers was watching one of the New Zealand director’s fantasy blockbusters when she saw characters wielding bows and arrows in the battle for Middle Earth.

The then 10-year-old’s interest in archery, which was also in her genes thanks to dad Jason, began and she hasn’t looked back since.

Now 15, Rogers’ CV as an archer is growing at an alarming rate, with numerous records and medals continuing to pour in.

She is currently out in Croatia for the second stage of the European Youth Cup, which starts on Monday, in what will be her biggest event to date.

Individual, team and mixed team accolades are up for grabs, as well as the chance to impress Archery GB chiefs ahead of October’s World Youth Championships in Rosario, Argentina.

Rogers, who takes part in the women’s recurve cadet category in the Croatian seaside town of Porec, said: “I normally set targets for every competition I go to, whether it’s a score or just to make sure my technique is solid throughout.

“But I haven’t really thought of any goals for Croatia as I’ve not been to such a big event before.

“I went to France a couple of months ago with the academy I’m in, but this is bigger compared to that.

“I know I’m going to try and shoot the best I can and hopefully get through to the knockout rounds and compete in the team events.

“I’m really looking forward to it, and if I do well in Croatia, and the competitions after, then I’ve got a chance of being selected for the World Youth Championships later this year.”

The St Albans RC High School pupil, who is also a member of the St Kingsmark Bowmen club in Chepstow, is coached at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre by four-time Olympian Naomi Folkard.

Given the progress the Gwent starlet has made since her talent was first spotted by original coach Harry Reed, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are very much on her radar.

Speaking about taking up the sport, and her future ambitions, she added: “I was watching The Lord of the Rings and saw the archers on that, and I thought it was cool.

“I went on a school trip and archery was one of the activities, so I gave it a go.

“I also used to have swimming lessons and would see people doing archery in a nearby field, and that’s where I started.

“When I first went there the coach said I was too small and told me to wait another year and come back stronger.

“I started properly when I was 11 and my coach said I was going to get somewhere with it and he has stuck with me all these years.

“My personal goal is to get to the Olympics.

“My GB confirmation squad coach has been to four Olympics and is a big inspiration, I learn loads from her.”

Family, which also includes mum Tascha, friends and local sponsorship helped raise funds the teenager needed to go to Croatia, and Rogers has every intention of rising to the challenge on the big stage.

Rogers is part of GB Archery’s biggest ever team at a youth competition.