Kroppen’s home event an opportunity to capitalise on Salt Lake success

Michelle Kroppen will arrive at the last stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup with the most circuit ranking points of any of the German recurve women.

That’s no small feat considering that the 22-year-old’s two primary teammates – Elena Richter and Lisa Unruh – have a few world titles and an Olympic medal between them.

“Maybe I’m lucky enough to qualify for the World Cup Final, I still have the chance. But it's not the primary goal,” said Kroppen, in an interview with the German archery federation. “I would just like to build on the performance from Salt Lake City.” 

“I’m not talking about a medal, but I want to be satisfied with what I do.”

At stage two, Kroppen reached her first individual international final at the senior level, losing only the gold medal match to Deepika Kumari, 7-3, and taking a second place.

That came just one stage after the German women – Kroppen, Richter and Unruh – took silver in the team competition in Antalya.

That line-up was the same that won the world indoor title in Yankton in February, Kroppen’s first and only gold medal on the senior international stage to date.

Training with such an accomplished teammates in Olympic silver medallist Unruh and reigning world indoor champion Richter in Berlin and at the national centre in Kienbaum offers motivation.

“It increases the desire and the drive. You’re pushed by your teammates and can shoot training matches,” said Richter.

A Berlin native, it’s a nice end for Richter after three months of trips abroad to shoot the last stage of the tour in her hometown.

“It’s my city and it gives other excitement than World Cups abroad,” she said. “There are a lot of people around to support you, which is not the case when you’re travelling.”

The fourth and final stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Berlin, Germany on 16-22 July.