Chicago Veteran Babette Peyton Leaves Archery Legacy

Babette Peyton could hit a bullseye every single time, drawing back her bowstring with her mouth while her family and fellow archers watched in amazement.

The Chicago Army veteran fell in love with archery after a military injury left her partially paralyzed and unable to walk. A visit to a Paralympic military sports camp changed everything, giving her a new passion and purpose.

Babette would hold her bow with her right arm and use her mouth to draw back the arrow. The technique took incredible strength and precision, but she mastered it so well that she earned over 150 medals competing across the country.

"She could hit targets better than a lot of archers who were not handicapped," said Regis Woods, one of many people who watched her practice at Chicago's Kroc Center. She trained there several times a week, working toward her dream of competing in the Paralympic Games.

Her niece Rosette Peyton remembers watching her aunt's determination pay off competition after competition. Family members would gather to cheer her on, knowing they were witnessing something special.

Sunny's Take

Babette's impact went far beyond her medals and perfect aim. Her niece Kathy Peyton-Chaney captured what made her so remarkable: "I don't think I saw her frown a day in her life. She was always encouraging."

That attitude touched everyone who met her. Whether she was training at the Kroc Center or competing at tournaments, Babette showed people what's possible when you refuse to let obstacles define you.

"There was nothing she could not do," said Peyton-Chaney at her aunt's funeral at St. James AME Church. "She leaves a legacy for others. We stand proudly on her shoulders. She was always giving and paying it forward."

Babette died on February 11th, but her story continues to inspire. Thousands of Paralympians are preparing for upcoming competitions, standing a little taller because of pioneers like her who showed the world what determination looks like.

Her family remembers a woman who transformed a life-changing injury into a platform for excellence, encouragement, and endless inspiration.