Britain continues W1 domination; women win gold, silver, bronze

Twenty-five arrows in 20 minutes and two gold medals made for a victorious Saturday afternoon for Jessica Stretton as Great Britain took all three spots on the W1 women’s podium, as the nation did at the last Paralympics in Rio, and gold in the W1 mixed team competition.

“This is just one of the best feelings,” said Stretton. “It’s phenomenal. We’re doing so well because of all the hard work and dedication we put into training. “

The 2016 Paralympic gold medallist first won the pairs final with John Cavanagh, before facing teammate Jo Frith for the individual title – in a rematch of the gold medal match in Rio. The clash went the same way, with Stretton taking gold, 141-133.

“It’s been a bit of a rush. I didn’t feel like the first match was over and when the second was happening,” said 17-year-old Stretton.

Victoria Rumary claimed bronze in her international debut.

“Jess shot phenomenally today,” said Cavanagh. “Shooting back to back has its pros and cons. She has a psychological advantage and knows how the finals field feels. She knows what to expect.”

The Athens 2004 Paralympic Champion expressed his happiness to see an increasing number of women in the W1 category, especially with Britain emerging as the team to beat.

“I’m happy to see the W1 field get stronger and stronger. The competition is always different and I’m excited to see who will be out there next time,” said Cavanagh.

For now, though, the W1 women’s event is all Great Britain’s.

“We’re getting used to it [winning],” said Frith. “With the reclassification we don’t know who’s in and who’s out. We will enjoy these medals right now.”

An updated classification procedure means that all W1 athletes were required to be reassessed during Beijing, with that updated classification coming into effect on the 1 October 2017.

The 2017 World Archery Para Championships run 12-17 September in Beijing, China.