Iceland’s archery community has almost tripled in size since 2014, while the national federation has continued to develop its coaching structure through collaboration with World Archery and Olympic Solidarity.
Since 2022, World Archery Iceland has regularly organised coaching courses leading to internationally recognised World Archery qualifications, supported by Olympic Solidarity through the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland.
Icelandic nature has a habit of making its presence felt. While previous courses have coincided with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, the latest coaching seminar in August had to contend with an unusual challenge: a solar eclipse.
The dates of the seminar had been decided a year in advance, but the eclipse meant hotels were fully booked and prices had soared. The federation eventually postponed the course by a week, with 11 Icelandic coaches taking part in the World Archery Level 2 seminar from 17 to 22 August.
“What the staff at the national federation forgot to check, however, was what the position of the sun and the moon would be on those days,” said federation president Gummi Gudjonsson.
All 11 coaches passed the assessment and received their Level 2 qualification.
