Eleonora Sarti is the world number one para archer in the compound women’s open rankings, and the reigning World Archery Para Champion.
She added the world record in the ranking round to her list of achievements, subject to official ratification, at the Italian National Para Archery Championships in Padova – when she scored 695 out of a possible 720 points during qualification, despite less-than-perfect weather conditions.
Sarti scored 347 and 348 in the first and second halves of the event.
The score beat the previous world record, set by Great Britain’s Danielle Brown in 2013, by seven points – and tied the Italian national able-bodied and open record, held by Marcella Tonioli.
“I’m so excited for this unexpected result after Saint Jean de Monts where I was not able to perform to my usual standard,” said Sarti. She finished fourth at the European Championships earlier in 2016.
“I’m looking forward to having the chance to display this level in Nove Mesto and, of course, in Rio. It will be my first time at the Paralympics and a dream I’ve had since starting to shoot, and leaving the national Paralympic basketball team, come true.”
Sarti’s new world record is expected to be ratified in the coming week.
