Ana Umer defends European field title on home soil

Pictures via World Archery Europe.

Slovenian archer Ana Umer beat Daniela Klesmann of Germany by eight points, 58-50, in the recurve women’s gold medal match at the 2017 European Field Archery Championships on home soil in Mokrice-Catez, successfully defending a title she won two years prior in Poland.

“To take gold in Slovenia is amazing. It’s an amazing feeling when you’re with your friends and your family and you can share this moment with them in your own country,” said Ana.

The previous victory was an emotional one, taken shortly after the loss of her father.

“I came here to try and repeat my title because I really wanted to enjoy a gold medal and now I have a chance to enjoy it fully because last time it was… it was hard,” Umer added. 

“I’m so happy, it means a lot to me and it is again a gift for my father and my family and everyone who supports me.”

Ana was fourth after qualification and the first elimination, top-ranked over the second elimination phase and beat Bianca Speicher in the semifinal before taking on a second consecutive German archer in Klesmann in the final.

Marco Morello won the recurve men’s European title, Domagoj Buden and Irene Franchini the compound crowns.

Swedish barebow archers Erik Jonsson and Lina Bjorklund also took gold medals.

The 2017 European Field Archery Championships took place on 22-26 August in Mokrice-Catez, Slovenia.