WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Although she doesn't wear green tights or a feathered hat, 11-year-old Sydney Czyz from Waterford Township can handle a bow and arrow like Robin Hood.
The sixth-grader from Pierce Middle School is a member of the Junior Olympic Archery Development at the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club in Independence Township.
Last week, during practice, she achieved what archers call "shooting a Robin Hood." It's a rare feat even the most skilled archers won't accomplish. The event happens when an archer shoots an arrow into the bull's-eye and then sends a second arrow into the end of the first, splitting it.
"It's not completely uncommon, but it's completely unusual. So unusual for an 11 year old to do," said archery instructor, Mike Robertson. "It's so cool because it's her first one, she'll never forget it, and I still have my first arrow I split."
Sydney has only been involved in archery for a year. The archery development group is made up of 26 children. Her parents, who are skilled bow hunters, said her talent came naturally.
"Just a week ago one of her instructors showed her what a Robin Hood was and Sydney said, 'Oh, I'll never be able to do that.' And five days later she did it," said Sydney's mother, Lisa Czyz.
"I've never even shot a Robin Hood, I mean not even close, maybe an arrow next to an arrow, it brought a huge smile to my face," said Rob Czyz, Sydney's father.
Her best score was 510 out of a possible 600 in the Tri-State Competition. Sydney even had the third highest number of bull's-eyes in the context open to all women of all ages.
Sydney doesn't know where her talent will take her, but her mother was surprised how many colleges had archery teams.
This 11-year-old is very humble. While she doesn't like to be the center of attention, she sure knows how to shine.
SLIDESHOW: Lauren Podell and Sydney at archery range