Top 5: The greatest shots of the European Games through the photographer’s sight

Krakow was this year’s host city for the third edition of the European Games, following Baku in 2015 and Minsk in 2019.

A total of 124 archers from 36 countries competed from 23 to 29 June in the Plaszowianka Archery Park for eight continental titles and six quota places for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at stake in the Polish city.

From the warm-up area to the finals arena, a great opportunity to hunt for unseen images, showing style, emotion, energy, nerves, and what else?

World Archery’s official photographer John Stanley picked up his five favourite shots from European Games week.

5. Target mates

Archery is either a turn-by-turn sport or a long massed line, and it’s not so often you see two people doing the same thing at the same time.

Here target mates Penny Healey and Katharina Bauer are in phase.

4. Invisible man’s power

Spain’s recurve team was solid and strong all tournament long, enjoying themselves with Elia Canales at the heart of it.

Looking back at head coach Elias Cuesta, a powerful presence who helmed all matches and kept the team on track. Here only his hands, but on her face everything he brought.

3. Pressure’s on

Mete Gazoz is usually well in control of his emotions.

But when the Olympic Champion went behind in his match against Miguel Alvariño, pressure caught him framed by Mig’s bow. 

2. Sparking joy

Audrey Adiceom is one of the camera magnets of the archery peloton in international competitions, and with good reason.

The ever-sparkling Frenchwoman in celebration with teammates Lisa Barbelin and Caroline Lopez.

1. Sibling united

Robin and Lisell Jaatma are not always the most demonstrative archers on the field, but the photographer’s long lens caught this bit of sibling fun and complicity during the medal ceremony.