Photo essay: 11 best over last 11 years

They’re listed in no particular order, but this cohort has been the most dominant, impressive or fantastic to watch indoors in recent history. It’s a subjective list, created by our World Archery writers’ panel and not based on medals won or statistics…

So if you think we’re wrong, and missed an athlete off that should have made it, then tell us! Get in touch on Facebook or tweet @worldarchery.

Here are our top 11 indoor archers of the last 11 years!

1) Chance BEAUBOUEF (USA)

A three-time Vegas winner and a top American compound archer, Chance qualified in fifth with 593 at Rzeszow 2009. He then proceeded to drop just one arrow out of the 10 on his way to the world champion title. Impressive!

2) Marco GALIAZZO (ITA)

European indoor champ and impressive during big events on the indoor circuit, GALIAZZO’s final against his Italian teammate FRANGILLI at the Nimes European Tournament in 2010 was at an insanely-high level. He lost – but won the event back in ’08.

3) Gladys WILLEMS (BEL)

Last time the worlds was in Nimes, WILLEMS walked away champion. She also won the Nimes Tournament four times over a five year span until 2008.

4) Natalia VALEEVA (ITA)

Experienced Italian recurve Natalia simply has more indoor world champion titles than any other female archer.

5) Brady ELLISON (USA)

Back to back Indoor Archery World Cup Final titles a couple of years ago were the result of Brady’s tendency to go on ridiculous runs where he wouldn’t miss the 10 for a few matches during competition!

6) Berengere SCHUH (FRA)

World record holder for the 18-metre ranking round, SCHUH shot one of the sweetest 120s ever in front of a packed crowd to win the Nimes Tournament in 2010.

7) Reo WILDE (USA)

It’s getting difficult to find an indoor event Reo hasn’t won. He’s had the Vegas title three times and is a multiple world champion – including the crown he won at Nimes 2003. Seems to like winning the Asian stage of the Indoor World Cup at the moment, too!

8) Michele FRANGILLI (ITA)

At the start of 2001, FRANGILLI set the recurve men’s world record for the 18-metre ranking round at 597. It’s not been beaten since… but Michele’s come close!

9) Mary HAMM (USA)

Mary was the first compound women to ever shoot a perfect 900 in Vegas – and the only, until a few weeks ago! Oh, and she’s had the world champion crown just a couple of times.

10) Erika JONES (USA)

The most dominant compound woman around right now, JONES heads to Nimes 2014 with consecutive wins at Indoor World Cups in Singapore, Telford and the Final in Las Vegas under her belt. She’s a resounding favourite to add another.

11) Team LH (KOR)

Ok, so technically not a person… but one archer described the Korean recurve women’s team LH appearing at Telford as "demoralising". Over the last two years, one of their archers has taken every single indoor tournament they’ve turned up to – including the Indoor World Cup Finals.

Just missed out: Butch JOHNSON (USA), Albina LOGINOVA (RUS), Sebastian ROHRBERG (GER), Sergio PAGNI (ITA), Jean-Charles VALLADONT (FRA) and Lisa UNRUH (GER).

This year’s indoor archery season finishes next week, with the world championships. Will any of these stars continue to shine – or will a new guard emerge? Tune in to find out!

The World Archery Indoor Championships take place from 25 February to 2 March 2014 in Nimes, France. Check the event website, Facebook page and see which archers will compete.