Danish interests in Copenhagen

The first time Copenhagen hosted the World Archery Championships was in 1950, back when none of the athletes that are wearing the Danish jersey during the 2015 Championships week were born.

During those championships, the story was very different – especially in numbers…

Sixty-five years ago, 132 athletes competed in Copenhagen. This year, the capital of Denmark has broken two records: One, having the biggest attendance of archers at a world championship event and, two, the largest major practice field ever seen at any outdoor archery event.

Copenhagen drew a lot of attention even before the championships started –and the locals are well aware of the archery in their back garden, and the archers shooting in it.

A group of 12 athletes, three coaches and five officials are in charge of representing those Danish interests.

Having an international competition at home makes it different, but it doesn’t mean that has to bring an extra pressure on athletes.

Maja Jager is the reigning World Champion.

Two years ago in Belek, Maja forced a one-shoot-off arrow with Xu Jing from China before landing a near identical arrow – if just a millimetre closer to the centre – to win the tiebreaker for gold.

Shooting on home soil with the possibility of defending the title – and qualifying for Rio 2016 – Maja is ignoring any pressure that the situation may bring and just enjoying been surrounded by friends and family.

“Nobody has won the worlds twice in a row, so I don’t feel as if I have to win, just to shoot and do well,” Maja admits, smiling.

“We are trying just to enjoy and appreciate all the attention that we are getting.”

The task, as difficult as it might sound, is simple: shoot well, give the best and enjoy – but people will be expecting to see some live proof of why Denmark took three medals away from the worlds two years.

World Archery Cup Final Champion in 2013, Martin Damsbo made his international debut back in 2002.

Through the years, Martin has built a successful and celebrated career that even saw him awarded the 2013 World Fair Play Award for his unconditional generosity and sportsmanship.

(He leant his opponent his spare bow when that opponent had an equipment malfunction right before their gold medal match during the finals of an Archery World Cup stage.)

“We try to have the same expectations as we always do: go out and do whatever we can and hope to have some good results,” said Martin.

“In archery things are never the same as the day before. There are many good teams here and we go in and try to have and enjoy the shooting to see how much it will bring us.”

While the Danish are getting ready for qualification round in rainy and windy Copenhagen, they have one thing for granted: Finals venue will be packed of people or cheering in Danish: “Hurra, Kom så, Danmark!”