Denmark’s next cohort of world compound medallists

Denmark will shoot for gold in the compound cadet men’s team competition at the 2019 World Archery Youth Championships.

Tore Bjarnarson, Mathias Fullerton and Christoffer Berg have already beaten two world records during the tournament. Their qualification score of 2091 points was four points more than the previous world-leading mark – and then, in the Danes’ first eliminations match, they shot 236 points.

Arriving in Madrid, the 24-arrow 50-metre match record was 235.

“We’ve got good team spirit and it’s important when you spend a lot of time together and enjoy shooting. When someone wins, we all enjoy his success. When someone is down, shooting bad, it’s important to have your teammates around,” said Bjarnarson.

“We have a good chance in the team competition. And when other teams see we’ve broken the world record, we put a lot of pressure on them.”

The young Danish archers are relying on experienced advice at this event.

World championship winning archer Patrick Laursen stands behind the squad. The coach and team manager took major medals more than once. He, Stephan Hansen and Martin Damsbo won the senior team gold at the worlds in Belek in 2013.

“He is great. He is one of the worlds best coaches of compound. Normally, I get coached by Martin Damsbo,” said Bjarnarson.

Compound has long been a successful discipline for Denmark.

After Damsbo and Laursen came two-time youth world champion and 2015 senior world champion Hansen. Now, it seems that there are plenty of young compound archers ready to become the next great Dane.

“The older guys who are experienced help younger kids. It’s an organised system were talents can join a group,” explained Laursen. “In one place, Martin coaches the kids. I have some in my place and there are two other spots where older archers teach.” 

Bjanarson, Fullerton and Berg are confident ahead of Saturday’s final, when they will face the defending champion USA.

“We’re going for gold,” said Bjarnarson. “Our opponents are very strong, but we’re stronger.”

Denmark’s Natacha Stutz will also shoot for an individual gold medal in the compound cadet women’s competition.

The 2019 World Archery Youth Championships takes place on 19-25 August in Madrid, Spain.