But in 2016, Turkey won three.
It was guaranteed, when Evren Cagiran and Samet Can Yakali both made the compound men’s gold medal match on Konyaalti beach at stage three of the 2016 Hyundai Archery World Cup. In fact, the winner would also be Turkey’s first individual gold medallist at a stage – after Demir Elmaagacli won the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in 2015.
The match was blown open in the first arrows. Evren shot a 10, Samet a six.
“I lost the strength and I didn’t have my body in the right position to shoot. I still can’t believe that arrow went so wrong,” Samet said. He admitted he was extremely nervous.
Evren held on to the lead for the extend, eventually taking victory, 145-139. Samet closed strong, though, shooting 10-10-10 to finish.
“It was an honour to shoot with Samet in the finals. This is our first time shooting for gold, so no matter the results today, we both shot for this gold – and that’s the most important thing,” said Evren.
Turkey added a third medal, a bronze to complete the set, via Yesim Bostan.
In 2014, Bostan lost the chance at a podium by missing out in the compound women’s bronze final in Antalya. Two years later, she had another shot, and didn’t waste it.
She led Italy’s Marcella Tonioli from the second end, but finished the regulation 15 arrows poorly. An eight let Marcella even things up at 144 each – and sent the match to a tiebreaker.
Tonioli shot first: eight.
Yesim shot second: nine. Winner.
“It was a very important match because by winning, I guaranteed my place in the [Hyundai Archery] World Cup Final,” said Bostan. “To win it here, in my country, is much better. The shoot-off made it more exciting!”
“This is also a present for father. It’s father days in Turkey today and it’s my gift for him.”
