Limerick 2023: Funkiest shots from the youth world championships

More than 500 young archers competed for under-21 and under-18 world youth titles last week in the Irish city of Limerick.

India led the event on medal count – racking up 11 in total and crowning three individual world champions (Aditi Swami, Priyansh and Parth Sushant Salunkhe) – but the team was pipped to the top of the medal table by a returning squad from Korea.

The weather was… drastic.

Brilliant sunshine, changeable wind and rain that reached thunderstorm levels graced the tournament field. (Archers even had to be evacuated from the finals field mid-match on the last day of competition due to surprise lighting.)

But while rain might not be the most enjoyable addition to a shooting experience, it makes photos look great.

World Archery photographer Dean Alberga has picked his five favourite photos from the competition week.

5. Hold on

While their teammate was shooting, this team from Chinese Taipei was literally holding on to their hats. Even though the wind wasn’t a constant factor, the fact was… it was constantly there.

4. Release and see

There were lots of these shots during the past week. Adding an extra dimension to the finals, the wind resulted in some funky follow-throughs on many occasions.

3. Big fields

The World Archery Youth Championships attract one of the largest fields of any national team event. There’s -something satisfying about a long shooting line… 

2. You sure?

Coming off the line in disbelief, Mathias Kramer was asking the German coach if he really did win the shoot-off. It was a close judge’s call but his arrow was closer to the centre, earning him the bronze medal in the recurve under-21 men’s event.

1. Tip of the hat

A big shout-out and thanks to the organisers and volunteers in Limerick, who had to deal with difficult environmental circumstances along with the normal challenges of organising a competition for more than 500 people.