Archery at the 2024 Paralympics: A Look at the Stars, Competitions, and Major Highlights
As the Paralympic Games return for 2024, archery remains one of the standout sports in the program, showcasing the resilience and skill of para-athletes from across the globe. The sport continues to captivate audiences, with its mix of precision, focus, and inspiring stories. This article will explore the key storylines, emerging stars, and exciting developments in archery at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
### Key Storylines and Stars of 2024
#### 1. **Sheetal Devi: The Young Phenom**
At just 17, Sheetal Devi from India has already made history by becoming the first female armless archer to win a medal at the World Championships in 2023. Devi, who competes in the women’s compound open category, is a rising star, and her journey from a silver medalist at the 2023 World Championships to double Asian Para Games gold has made her the favorite to watch in Paris. She has broken barriers, inspiring countless others with disabilities to pursue sports【10†source】【11†source】.
#### 2. **David Drahoninsky: A Legacy to Remember**
The Czech Republic’s David Drahoninsky is one of the most recognizable figures in para archery. Since winning gold in his Paralympic debut in 2008, Drahoninsky has continued to excel, becoming a four-time finalist in the W1 category. While his world ranking has recently dropped, he is still a force to be reckoned with at Paris 2024. His journey and multicolored hair make him an unforgettable personality in the sport【10†source】.
#### 3. **Matt Stutzman: The ‘Armless Archer’**
Matt Stutzman, known for competing without arms, is another global star. After winning silver in the 2012 London Paralympics, Stutzman’s determination has led him to his fourth Paralympic appearance in 2024. His presence in Paris symbolizes perseverance and the growth of para archery, inspiring others like Sheetal Devi to break barriers【11†source】.
#### 4. **Oznur Cure: The Turkish Powerhouse**
Turkey’s Oznur Cure will arrive in Paris as a favorite after winning silver in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Mixed Team Compound Open event. Her recent success, including a world individual title in 2023, has cemented her as a top contender for gold at Paris 2024【12†source】.
### Competition Format and Schedule
The archery competitions at the 2024 Paralympics will feature three main categories: recurve, compound, and W1. These categories are designed to accommodate athletes with different levels of impairment. In total, nine medal events will be contested across individual and mixed team events.
#### **Competition Categories**
- **Recurve Archery**: Athletes with impairments in either the top or bottom half of their bodies compete using recurve bows. The distance to the target is 70 meters, with the event mirroring the Olympic archery format.
- **Compound Archery**: Athletes use compound bows and compete over 50 meters with a target that has fewer rings than the recurve competition.
- **W1 Archery**: This category is for athletes with impairments in both the upper and lower body. They can use either recurve or compound bows, though with limitations on draw weight and sight. They also shoot at a distance of 50 meters【10†source】.
### Competition Highlights
The Paris 2024 archery competitions are scheduled from August 29 to September 5, 2024, at the historic Les Invalides, providing a stunning backdrop to this precision sport. Expect thrilling finals in all categories, with notable matchups between top-ranked athletes.
- **Day 1 (August 29)**: The competitions will kick off with the mixed team events, where pairs from various countries will compete in both recurve and compound categories.
- **Day 2 (August 30)**: The individual W1 men and women’s categories will hold their finals.
- **Day 3 (September 1)**: The recurve women’s finals will take center stage, with much anticipation surrounding the new champion, given that three-time champion Zahra Nemati is not competing【10†source】【12†source】.
- **Day 5 (September 5)**: The mixed team recurve finals will close out the competition, providing a spectacular finish to the archery events.
### Ones to Watch
The competition at Paris 2024 will be fierce, with several archers expected to make headlines. Here are some of the most exciting athletes to watch:
- **Kevin Mather (USA)**: A prominent figure in compound archery, Mather has his sights set on a Paralympic medal after a successful 2022 season.
- **Jane Karla Gogel (Brazil)**: Gogel holds the world record in the women’s compound open category and is looking to secure her first Paralympic medal at her third Games【12†source】.
- **Chen Minyi (China)**: A two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Minyi aims to break records once again in Paris【11†source】.
### The Evolution of Para Archery
Para archery has been a core sport in the Paralympic Games since its inception. Originating as a rehabilitation tool for injured veterans, it evolved into an elite competitive sport. Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic movement, played a pivotal role in this transformation during the late 1940s. The continued growth of para archery is a testament to the athletes' dedication and the sport's ability to inspire【10†source】.
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The 2024 Paralympic archery competitions promise thrilling contests between the sport’s greatest athletes. With historic venues, inspiring athletes, and intense rivalries, Paris 2024 will be a memorable chapter in the history of para archery.
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