Five para archery rivalries to watch in 2015

This article was written by Billie MARSHALL for the International Paralympic Committee. Read the original piece.

A year of renewal and readjustment with the change in para archery’s competition categories has drawn to a close. Already, at the European Championships and Asian Games, contenders in the new athlete fields have emerged.

As the New Year approcahes, we look ahead to the rivalries that will likely see athletes go head-to-head, competing for top honours, world records aplenty and Rio 2016 qualification in 2015.

Jean Pierre ANTONIOS (FIN) v David DRAHONINSKY (CZE)

The number one ranked men’s W1 para archer in the world and the current world record holder. It is a natural pairing and one that will without doubt be seen competing with each other during the 2015 season

Both were in the medals at the World Archery 2013 Para Championships with ANTONIOS claiming the gold medal while DRAHONINSKY had to settle for the bronze. DRAHONINSKY did set a new world record at the Nottwil Europeans.

John CAVANAGH (GBR) v Jeff FABRY (USA)

This is a long-standing affair that has captured the imagination of fans and archers alike for years and it is one that is likely to continue into the New Year. 

It’s a rivalry that dates back to 2004. Both compound open men have been successful at various Paralympics Games such as Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 

Zahra NEMATI (IRI) v Elisabetta MIJNO (ITA) v Milena OLSZEWSKA (POL)

Despite her humanitarian exploits away from competition, Zahra NEMATI retains enough time to practice and remains one of the premier recurve women’s open archers on the circuit. The new Asian Games gold medallist will continue a rivalry with Elisabetta MIJNO and Milena OLSZEWSKA that promises to be exciting to watch in 2015. All have risen to prominence with impressive performances and a big year is expected from all three.

MIJNO was crowned para archery’s European Champion recurve women after defeating OLSZEWSKA to the gold medal in Nottwil last July.

Burcu DAG (TUR) v Mel CLARKE (GBR)

The top two archers in the compound women’s category will no doubt collide at some point during the next year. Both have enjoyed recent success and will be keen to continue where they left off.

DAG is the current World Archery Para Championships compound women’s gold medal holder having beaten CLARKE’s compatriot Danielle BROWN in the final at Bangkok 2013. CLARKE lost the London 2012 final to BROWN, who no longer competes in para archery events.

John STUBBS (GBR) v Jere FORSBERG (FIN)

In a highly competitive category, the men’s compound open event provides a number interesting matchups and this is sure to be one of them. Switzerland’s Martin IMBODEN and the USA’s Matt STUTZMAN are also athletes to watch out for.

IMBODEN shot a world record earlier in the year… before STUBBS beat it the very next day. The four of them are likely to continue their close rivalry into 2015. 

The Donaueschingen 2015 World Archery Para Championships runs from 23-30 August in Germany next year and includes the primary qualification tournament for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.