Croatian field archers preparing for home world championships

Two years ago in Val d’Isere, France, Croatia’s Ivana BUDEN won her first world title in field archery. This year, she has the chance to defend her compound crown at home, in front of family and friends. 

“I‘m proud Croatia is hosting this competition”, said an excited BUDEN. “Not only because it’s in my home country, and my home town, but because the competition field and the hotels are situated downtown. You have the opportunity to take a walk and just enjoy its spirit, which is spectacular during summer months!”

While she gets prepared for the competition, travelling around the world for target archery events like the World Cup in Wroclaw, Poland, BUDEN tries not think about the pressure that comes with shooting as a local.

“There is some additional pressure which comes from the surroundings, but through years I have managed to find my own way. I matured a lot and I always try to stay motivated and just keep a positive attitude,” Belek 2013’s silver medallist added.

For this year’s championship she’s expecting nothing more than to have fun while shooting well, as she loves the versatility and challenges of field archery. 

At Zagreb 2014 the BUDEN last name might not only be heard because of Ivana. Domagoj, who took bronze two years ago in Val d’Isere and is one of the Croatia’s best junior compound archers, is her young brother. Family business? Oh, yes. 

Supporting Ivana and Domagoj, the archers is their father – for technical and logistical back-up – while their mother and sister cheer during competitions. 

“Home crowd, home city, what more do I need to say? I am looking forward to it, and for now I don’t feel any pressure. I try not to put myself under any expectations ‘cause it usually ends in a bad way”, said Domagoj, who won gold at the Wuxi 2013 World Youth Championships. 

Domagoj is committed to his training sessions combining gym and archery to have a strong body with a strong mind. “At this level I think that for a successful shot, the ratio between an archer and equipment is 50:50,” he added. 

Maybe this is one of the reasons he’s so pumped for the competition: “I like shooting elimination rounds, and for me qualifications are perfect as a situational training. I don’t know, somehow in eliminations I just get very competitive”. 

Maja ORLIC and Mario VAVRO, BUDEN’s compound junior teammates, will also be among the more than 250 archers competing at Zagreb. 

“I am excited,” said ORLIC. “I hope there will be some spectators and that this will be a good chance for a lot of people to see and maybe try archery on the spot!” 

“Last world field championship was one my first good results,” said VAVRO. “And this year, my family and friends will finally have the opportunity to watch me live!” 

Follow news from the 2014 World Archery Field Championships in Zagreb – and World Archery’s coverage on Facebook and @worldarchery on Twitter.