91Èȱ¬

Megan Havers never imagined that firing her first arrow while on a caravan holiday would lead her to qualifying for the Olympics.

For the 16-year-old archer from Leicester, who only took her GCSE exams this year, representing Team GB at the Paris Games is "a dream come true".

But not one she never imagined would "happen so soon".

Just weeks after attending her prom at South Charnwood High School, she takes her place as the youngest member of the six-person squad in the French capital.

"I can't believe it," she told 91Èȱ¬ East Midlands Today before flying out to France.

"When I had my prom, no-one knew I was going to the Olympics because it hadn't been announced yet and when I go back to school I will be an Olympian.

"I just can't get my head around how that works."

Havers smiles constantly when talking about her stunning rise in a sport she took up as a holiday activity.

"I took up archery because I enjoyed it and thought it was fun," she said.

"I loved competing and didn't think it would come to an Olympic Games."

Havers had a hectic time earlier this year trying to earn her place in Paris, with school work moulded around training and events.

It also meant sitting some GCSE exams late at night in far-flung places, and well away from the classrooms of rural Leicestershire.

While in Croatia for a European Grand Prix event in June, a long day in the field and medal success was followed by the stress of one of those tests.

"We were in the field from 8 o'clock until 7 o'clock in the evening, won the silver medal that day, and got back to the hotel where I had an hour for dinner then I went to sit my exam," Havers said.

"I got out at 10 o'clock at night. It all worked out fine, but it was so stressful."

Archery events at the Paris Games will get under way on Thursday.