Fiji’s Elder hopes to “peak at right time” in 3rd Olympic season

Fiji, a collection of islands in the South Pacific, is best known for beautiful beaches, heavy rainfall and rugby – the national sport. It sent just nine athletes to the last Olympics, and one of them should be returning to action in Rio this August.

Robert Elder, 35, would be representing his country at the Games for the third time after competing at Athens 2004 and London 2012. He just needs the place to be confirmed by the National Olympic Committee in Fiji for it to become official.

A tall former high-jumper, he originally dreamed of representing his country at athletics: “But then I put on weight, got married and that was it,” he said, laughing. 

Robert gained his Rio place at the Oceania qualifier in Tonga, which also saw the hosts and Australia gain spots.

“I shot a 630 there, but I hope to shoot 640 plus this year,” he said. 

According to Elder, there are just five male recurve archers shooting seriously in the whole country. One of the main problems is finding enough high-level tournaments to compete at and obtain qualifying scores.

“Often the tournament I’d like to shoot at is on the other side on the world. It’s a problem for a lot of developing nations,” he admitted.

“I’ve been training in Thailand recently - until there was a cyclone [Cyclone Winston] in February and I had to return home. The rain was so heavy I couldn’t shoot 70 metres. Had to shoot blank boss instead!”

“This week in Shanghai I’m just hoping for a personal best, if the weather holds out. My best at a World Cup is 626. I’d love to put in 630 or 640.”

“I like this weather!” he said, gesturing towards Shanghai’s rainy skies. “Better than at home this time of year, hot and sweaty!”

Elder had a memorable Olympic moment at London 2012, after qualifying 63rd, when he took a 4-0 lead over Korea’s Kim Bubmin before the second seed rallied and managed to turn the match, against a British crowd roaring for the underdog.

Could he go even further this time?

“I’d just like to win my first match,” Elder said. “We’ll see what happens from there. I’m hoping to peak at the right time.”