Lonely life? Travelling without teammates

“When you travel alone and nothing goes wrong it’s fine, but as soon as you have a problem it’s kind of scary,” said Toja CERNE. “You get stressed before you shoot…”

Toja’s bow was missing when she arrived in Medellin late last night. “They brought it at about 1am in the morning. I just asked them airport staff to bring it as soon as they could, I didn’t care what time! I just wanted to sleep well.”

It’s the experienced and most dedicated archers who tend to travel alone – like reigning World Cup Champion Martin DAMSBO.

“I had to come back to Medellin. I feel great because of the weather, and I can meet many of my friends that can’t come to Europe frequently,” he explained.

“I don’t feel any pressure, but I’d like to make the top 10. Our federation saves its money for tournaments within Europe.” It is because Martin was the highest finisher in Shanghai that he was able to make the trip.

Aside from logistics that might put many people off making the long trips: three flight connections and seriously important luggage to take care of, it’s being so far away from home in a foreign country that might be difficult.

“Sometimes I feel alone, but I’m proud to represent my country here,” said Natalie DIELEN, the lone archer from Switzerland at Medellin. “But, it’s not really alone – because I know most of the archers. They are very friendly, very open, and it’s a big family.”

That big family starts competition in Medellin tomorrow, check WorldArchery.org, @worldarchery on Twitter and our Facebook page for full coverage.