Paralympian Jane ties world record; wins gold in Nove Mesto

Paralympian Jane Karla Gogel beat Russia’s Stepanida Artakhinova in a one-arrow shoot-off for the compound women’s open title at the European Para Archery Cup stage held in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic on 16-23 July.

“Winning the final in the Czech Republic makes me feel so happy and thankful for my family and those who have always supported me,” said Jane.

“During the World Cup stage in Salt Lake City, I struggled with some things and I wasn’t happy with my shooting. I figured those things out and although scores are getting better, I will continue working hard to improve them.”

Seeded third with 688 out of a possible 720 points, the Brazilian compound para archer beat Ukraine’s Natalia Pavuk, 144-133; Iran’s Somayeh Abbaspour, 141-136; and Russia’s Tatiana Andrievskaia, 147-145, to make the gold medal match.

Jane’s score in the semis tied the 15-arrow matchplay world record established in 2015 in Donaueschingen by the woman she later met in the final: top seed and London 2012 bronze medallist Stepanida Artakhinova.

After 15 arrows, both Jane and Stepanida had 138 points: shoot-off. Both archers landed a 10 in the X-ring, but Jane’s was closer to the centre.

A total of 123 archers from 25 nations competed in Nove Mesto, which also served as a world para archery ranking event.