COMPOUND: IN LA?

So barely a few months after we explored the apparent kiboshing of compound’s Olympic hopes for 2028 (in Bow 160), World Archery threw a spanner in the works by unexpectedly announcing that an application had been made to include compound as an event for the Games in Los Angeles. Of the several scenarios possible, it appears it has pitched an indoor competition featuring the top 16 men and women in the world, most likely to be held in the shooting venue after the conclusion of the shooting events. A confirmation of whether a compound event will be held will likely appear sometime next year.

World Archery is keeping quiet for now about the slightly unexpected change in direction, but perhaps something has shifted behind the scenes in LA or Lausanne and it appeared that now was the right moment to try and make it happen. Also as outlined in Bow 160, it is anything but a done deal; there are several major hurdles in the way and this may be part of playing an even longer game.

It will certainly cause the top compounders to consider their careers and how they might continue them, with an eye on becoming an Olympian one day.

Elsewhere in this issue of your soaraway Bow, we have coverage from the World Games, with some particularly great pics from Dean Alberga; tips on the much-ignored reversals; another seriously good fitness piece from Lucy O’sullivan; and an interview with German international Katharina Bauer, who has the most extraordinary back garden shooting shed you’ve ever seen. Hope the long, hot summer is doing you good.

See you on the shooting line,