Beijing 2017: 10 archers to watch at the world para championships
It’s one of the few opportunities where the top para archers in the world face-off: the World Archery Para Championships. Taking place once every two years, and this edition one season removed from the Paralympics, it showcases some incredible people contending coveted world titles.
Here’s who to keep your eyes on in Beijing…
1) RAHIMI GHOLAMREZA, Iran
The top ranked archer in the recurve men’s open event and Paralympic gold medallist is revered for his talent and poise. He finished third in Donaueschingen in 2015.
2) UEYAMA TOMOHIRO, Japan
An optimistic recurve archer determined to build a base for archery in Japan, with 11 athletes from the nation competing in Beijing.
3) SVETLANA BaRANTSEVA, Russia
A dominant female recurve woman who has yet to face her biggest competitors.
4) WU CHUNYAN, China
After winning triple gold in Donaueschingen 2015, Wu was unstoppable until her first major loss to Zahra Nemati during the 2016 Paralympic Games. Ready to face Nemati again?
5) ZAHRA NEMATI, Iran
After competing in both the Olympics and Paralympics, Nemati was a superstar in Rio and a model in her country. She won gold at the Games in 2012 and 2016 – and was World Archery Para Champion in 2013, but missed out on the event two years later.
6) JONATHON MILNE, Australia
Made waves in Australia when he won bronze in the 2016 Paralympics. Determined to raise the profile of para archery at home.
7) ELEONORA SARTI, Italy
Fell short in the first round at the Paralympics, despite arriving as the reigning World Archery Para Champion. More to give.
8) PETER KINIK, Slovakia
Talented – not least because of the incredible manner in which he’s taught himself to shoot.
9) DAVID DRAHONINSKY, Czech Republic
Top world ranked and always entertaining, Drahoninsky brings experience and humor to the field. (He was famous in Rio for proposing to his girlfriend on field.)
10) JESSICA STRETTON, Great Britain
This 17-year-old archer is one of the youngest and best in the world. She broke four world records in July at Great Britain’s junior national championship – and is the Paralympic Champion.
The 2017 World Archery Para Championships run 12-17 September in Beijing, China.
