Colombia makes compound team world finals

Colombia’s compound women – Sara Lopez, Alejandra Usquiano and Nora Valdez – and men – Camilo Cardona, Daniel Munoz and Sebastian Arenas – will shoot for medals at the 2017 World Archery Championships in Mexico City; the former in the gold final, the latter in the bronze.

“It’s a huge happiness because after we won in 2013, we arrived in Denmark [in 2015] with many expectations but things didn’t work well. So now, here in Mexico City, which is a place that we like, life has given us another opportunity,” said Usquiano.

Fourth seed Colombia beat Canada in the first round, South Africa in the second and upset first seed Korea in the semis by one, 232-231.

In the gold medal match, they will face Lily Chanu Paonam, Jyothi Serkha Vennam and Trisha Deb of India.

“More than teammates we’re friends and we understand each other very well. The whole competition was difficult but we enjoyed and laughed as much as we can. We know that everything happens for a reason and this is a gift,” said Lopez.

“Sometimes life takes away things that are difficult to understand but gives you alternatives. It is our time to shine as a team.”

Sara and Alejandra were both part of the team that took the World Archery Champion title in Belek in 2013 with Aura Maria Bravo.

Camilo Cardona, Daniel Munoz and Sebastian Arenas secured a place in the men’s team bronze final by upsetting third seed Korea and sixth seed South Africa, then losing to the USA in the semis.

Mexico City will be the Colombian men’s first shot at a World Archery Championship medal match.

“We’re incredible proud! This is something historic for our country as we know that we have a lot of potential but we’ve not yet been lucky enough to prove it,” said Daniel.

The team shot a national record with 238 points against South Africa.

“On Saturday, to take bronze, we will focus on our shots and we'll try not worry about our opponent’s scores. We’ll try to avoid the noise, forget about the cameras and the nerves a final normally brings, and focus on us a team,” he added.

The 2017 Hyundai World Archery Championships run 15-22 October in Mexico City, Mexico.