Australia, New Zealand pick up spots for Buenos Aires in Paita

Jason Hurnall beat Finn Matheson of New Zealand, 6-2, in the final of World Archery Oceania’s continental qualification tournament for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games to complete Australia’s maximum quota of two. 

Australia won a girls’ quota place at the World Archery Youth Championships at the end of 2017.

“I’m excited,” said Jason. “But a bit nervous in the match. Still managed it.”

New Zealand picked up the girls’ place when both Rebecca Jones and Olivia Sloan made the gold medal match, which went to a shoot-off. Jones won with a nine to Sloan’s seven.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed,” said Jones.

If the place is accepted, Buenos Aires will mark New Zealand’s debut in the archery competition at the Youth Olympic Games, having not qualified an athlete for either Nanjing in 2014 or Singapore in 2010.

Places won by an archer are assigned to their national governing body, who chooses whether that quota spot is accepted and, subsequently, which athlete will attend the Youth Olympic Games.

The third edition of the Youth Olympic Games takes place in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2018.