Qualifying at the Yankton 2026 World Archery Field Championships was completed on Thursday, but heavy rain forced organisers to shorten two of the marked courses for safety reasons.
Barebow competitors were limited to just six targets on the marked course, while three targets – 18, 19 and 20 – were removed from the compound course after some groups had already shot them.
The biggest challenge for many competitors was moving around the hilly, muddy slopes. As defending compound champion Paige Pearce put it, “we skied more than we walked.”
The barebow course had been seen by some competitors as less technical than at previous editions.
“Having shot four years ago I was expecting a much more difficult course on the first day, so it was a big surprise to us to have such a nicely made but flat course,” said David Jackson, who finished third in the barebow men’s qualification behind Italians Matteo Uggeri and Simone Barbieri.
“All the targets were pretty long and there was not much challenge regarding the terrain, so you just have to shoot good,” he added.
The USA’s Erin Hollom, who qualified fourth in the barebow women’s field, also felt the course provided a good test despite the conditions.
“Shooting was chilly and damp. I think the course was set up very well and because of that I think it was a true test of ability rather than just equipment,” she said.
Italy’s Eleonora Strobbe headed the barebow women’s field ahead of teammate Cinzia Noziglia. Australia’s Nicky Fairweather posted the highest score of the shortened marked round, 82, to qualify fifth overall.
