Steve Anderson, the world’s number-10 ranked compound man arriving at stage three of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup, had a short drive to the tournament field for practice.
An employee of Easton Archery – the arrow manufacturer based just around the corner from the Salt Lake Easton Archery Center – it’s a trip the 30-year-old takes daily. And it’s the second time he’s shot this home leg of the international archery circuit.
The first effort ended in ninth place, something of a bittersweet spot in the list – so close to the medal matches but out of the big ranking point spots.
“Some wind picked up and I just didn’t have it in the wind. There’s days where you’ve got it and days where you don’t. I opened eliminations with a 150 and it was downhill from there,” said Steve.
“It doesn’t appear that the wind is going to be any different, based off the forecast and what we saw today in practice.”
But Steve sounds more prepared.
His colleagues will handle more of his work responsibilities, he’s told his family to stay at home and he’s travelling home each night.
Don’t call it a home-field advantage, though.
“I don’t practise on this field. The only time I shoot on this field is if I’m getting a 100-yard sightmark. If I practise, it’s inside the building,” said Anderson.
“I do have my bed and home comforts here. Last year maybe it was a weakness but hopefully this year I can turn it into a strength.”
Steve had good seasons in 2016 and 2017, picking up the world field title and a bronze at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Rome. Coming off a silver medal in Antalya arriving in Salt Lake last year, expectation surrounded him.
Sitting down in 16th in the Hyundai Archery World Cup rankings ahead of stage three in 2018, Anderson is calmer. He’s relaxed, playing FIFA in the athlete lounge after the practice session is done.
But this event, at home, means something.
“I always want to make top eight. If you shoot a good match and lose that can happen, that’s archery,” he said.
“I just don’t want to give anything away this year. That would be a disappointment, to give up a match.“
The third stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Salt Lake City, USA on 18-24 June.
