Five archers to watch at the 2021 World Youth Championships

The post-Olympic international competition calendar kicks off with the World Archery Youth Championships in the Polish city of Wroclaw on 9-15 August 2021.

More than 500 archers from nearly 60 countries are registered to compete.

With seven archers who, only two weeks ago, became Olympians in Japan making the trip, alongside a host of young athletes currently sitting high in the world rankings, these championships are as much a look at the present of elite archery as they are at the future.

All five of these archers have already found success on the senior circuit.

Will they emerge top of the world’s best youth – or will new future stars emerge?

Here’s our five to watch.

1. Amanda Mlinaric

Who are they? Compound woman (under-21) from Croatia.

What’s the story? The quiet, focused Mlinaric has started to make waves on the senior stage, having taken an impressive under-21 world title in Madrid two years ago. Few archers get to compete for two crowns in the same age group.

What’s the goal? Back-to-back under-21 world champion titles.

Vital statistics

• Age: 20
• World ranking: 19
• Best result: Under-21 world champion in 2019.

2. Mathias Fullerton

Who are they? Compound man (under-21) from Denmark.

What’s the story? Tipped to follow in the footsteps of Danish greats like Martin Damsbo and Stephan Hansen, Fullerton is emerging as one of the best compound archers in the world. He’ll have another shot at a world youth title in two years, but why wait?

What’s the goal? The win.

Vital statistics

• Age: 18
• World ranking: 7
• Best result: Second at the European Championships (adult) in 2021.

3. Valentina Vazquez

Who are they? Recurve woman (under-21) from Mexico.

What’s the story? The reigning senior Pan American Champion is still very young. She’s yet to break into the top Mexican senior squad, slotting in as a reliable fourth and reserve so far. This event is a keen resume builder.

What’s the goal? Adding a youth world title to her growing collection.

Vital statistics

• Age: 18
• World ranking: 28
• Best result: Pan Am Champion (adult and under-21) in 2021.

4. Nicholas D’Amour

Who are they? Recurve man (under-21) from the US Virgin Islands.

What’s the story? His nation’s first archery Olympian having received a universality invitation for Tokyo, Nicholas could have easily qualified outright. He’s built himself into a huge spot in the world rankings – but is still searching for that first major podium.

What’s the goal? A medal.

Vital statistics

• Age: 19
• World ranking: 5
• Best result: Olympian in 2021.

5. Komalika Bari

Who are they? Recurve woman (under-21) from India.

What’s the story? The last Indian archer to win the under-18 and under-21 world titles in consecutive years was Deepika Kumari, who went on to become the most successful international in her country’s history. It’s time for Komalika to inherit that mantle. Arriving in Wroclaw the under-18 world champion, her ascension starts now.

What’s the goal? To match Deepika.

Vital statistics

• Age: 19
• World ranking: 105
• Best result: Under-18 world champion in 2019.