USA compound teams win both golds at Shanghai 2014

It was vengeance for the men and women of the States, after they lost their world champion titles at Belek last year.

Birthday boy Braden GELLENTHIEN and teammates Bridger DEATON and Reo WILDE shot the highest total of the day in the compound men’s team final to beat Australia, who shot a five in the first end to fall behind – and never recovered.

“It feels good to shoot in this rain,” said GELLENTHIEN. “Very crisp and natural.”

The multi-finalist on the World Cup circuit admitted he’s not fond of heading out into inclement weather unnecessarily: “No, I never train when it’s raining! I stay inside.”

Members of bronze medal winning Russia have no choice. “We constantly train under such conditions in Siberia,” explained Viktor KALASHNIKOV. “When I woke up this morning and looked outside I was sure we would win. Wind is a bit of an advantage for us.”

The USA women won their first gold since Medellin 2013. Top qualifiers Erika JONES, Tristan SKARVAN and Jamie VAN NATTA scored 20 more points than Chinese Taipei.

“I’m from Texas so I don’t get to practice a lot in rain,” said SKARVAN, at her second World Cup stage. “We shot before the match and got our sights ready, and I have two very experienced teammates to help me through.”

SKARVAN probably won’t shoot any more World Cups this year. She’s starting a new job after she graduates from college in May, and simply won’t have enough time.

USA has a shot at a third gold in the mixed team event at Shanghai 2014.

Follow scores from the finals at the first 2014 Archery World Cup stage in Shanghai.