Wentzel sets new world record at 60 metres with 357/360 points

Danelle Wentzel scored 357 out of a possible 360 points for 36 arrows at 60 metres to set a new world record, subject to ratification, at South Africa’s national championships on 31 March.

The score was one point more than the previous world best, set by Belgium’s Gladys Willems in 2007.

“I went on holiday without my bow for the first time in a few years and when I came back I was motivated to shoot again, but with more focus,” said Wentzel.

“I really tried shooting perfectly in practice and not just flinging arrows. At my first competition of the year I shot a personal best at 50 metres.”

Thirty-six arrow records can only be set as part of full 144-arrow 1440 Rounds.

Wentzel’s scores for the 1440 Round were 352 points at 70 metres, 357 at 60 metres, 335 at 50 metres and 357 for 30 metres, totalling 1401 for her first 1400+ as a senior.

“Although I’m pleased with the score, I feel it doesn’t reflect on how I shot that day,” she added: “My 50 metres was a balls-up and I just couldn’t hit the 10!”

If it stands, the world record will be 23-year-old Danelle’s first as a senior.

She is expected to compete at the second stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, and enters the season ranked number 53 in the world.