In 2024, the final tournament of the season concluded with Keegan Benton of Summerville falling 2.5 points short of earning a spot on the USA Archery national team. While he was happy for his friends who qualified, he was crestfallen that he could not join them.
“It isn’t something I even knew I wanted until I did not make it,” Benton said.
National team selections are based on points accumulated at qualifying events, with the top earners gaining the right to wear the Team USA jersey and represent the country in international competition.
With renewed determination, Benton dedicated himself throughout the following year to improvement, sacrificing nearly everything except academics.
“I was a high school senior, and I still tried to volunteer and help when I could, but I let most of my other extracurriculars fall by the wayside,” he said. “I spent most of my time either studying or practicing.”
As the 2025 season came to a close, Benton not only made the national team but finished as the top qualifier for Team USA, capturing gold medals in three of the five qualifying events.
That performance earned him an invitation to compete in the Junior Pan American Games in Medellín, Colombia. Participation, however, is entirely self-funded, including travel, entry fees and uniforms.
“It isn’t like the Olympics you see on TV. We even have to buy our own jerseys,” Benton said. “In the end, that’s a lot of money, but I’m determined to put the same effort into raising the funds to go as I did to qualify.”
Benton credited supporters who encouraged him throughout the journey.
“I have to say thank you to everyone who cheered me on along the way,” he said. “I would not have reached my goals without that encouragement. I don’t know if there has ever been another archer from the Charleston area to compete internationally. If not, I’ll be the first, and I’ll fly that banner high to represent where my family and I come from.”
Benton is the son of Caroline and Joey Benton and has an older brother, Joey.
“I made him a promise,” said his father. “I told him if he put in the work, I would find a way to pay for everything. Honestly, it used up most of our savings, but I would gladly do it again. The trip and lodging in South America are not inexpensive, and we’re asking anyone willing to help make his dream come true.”
Those interested in supporting Benton’s journey can contribute to the family’s fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-keegans-dream-to-represent-team-usa.