Spaniard Elias Cuesta named head coach of US Olympic archery team

Spanish Olympian and coach Elias Cuesta has been picked to take over from KiSik Lee, who retired in July, as head coach of the US team as it prepares for a home Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“I am absolutely stoked to work with the most talented archers in the world. The upcoming LA28 Olympics will add an extra layer of enthusiasm… we will give our all to make the country proud,” the 39-year-old, who is originally from Granada, told USA Archery.

“[Joining] one of the most successful delegations in the history of the Olympic Games is the greatest honour that can be given to a coach.”

Cuesta has spent the last six years leading Spain.

From the squad’s base in Madrid, he built a competitive programme that produced several European Games medals, a plethora of young talent, and men’s and women’s teams that have sat in the top 10 of the world ranking for much of his tenure.

He’ll start his new role in January. Based on the west coast in Chula Vista, it’s a job that comes with huge responsibility.

Cuesta’s predecessor, Lee, is one of the most decorated coaches in modern history, having led the US to five Olympic podiums across five Games, with 2019 World Archery Champion Brady Ellison being his standout pupil.

The five-time Olympian intends to continue on the team alongside his bronze-medal-winning mixed team partner at Paris, rising star Casey Kaufhold. Assistant head coach Chris Webster will also continue in his role as he builds the east coast performance programme in North Carolina.

“I’m excited to see a coach of Elias Cuesta’s calibre joining the team,” said Webster. “His accomplishments and reputation are outstanding, and I look forward to teaming up with him to help our athletes reach their full potential.”

Although international podiums have been plentiful, one result has conspicuously alluded the US squad over the past near three decades.

The USA hasn’t had an Olympic gold since Justin Huish (and the men’s team) delivered on home soil at Atlanta 1996. The hope is that this new hire will return the nation to the top of the podium when the Games next return to the US in 2028.

Cuesta’s self-stated mission?

“Return the United States to the place it deserves.”