31 May 2008 - World Cup Stage 3 – Quotes of the Day 4

World Cup Stage 3 – Quotes of the Day 4
Antalya – 31 May 2008
 
We asked the impression of the archers after the individual finals today!

Recurve Men
 

Brady Ellison (USA) I was shooting strong. There were good shots but they just didn’t go “in”. Five or six arrows were very close to the 10 ring. I like this final field on the beach very much. Even the warm-up range had the same conditions as the actual final field. I didn’t feel tense because it was a special field. It was still “me, the target and one opponent”.
The US trials to qualify for the Olympic Games were about eight months long. It was a long and difficult process because each round of competitions was more important than the previous one. It obliged the archers to stay strong pretty much every week-end. We played a whole lot of matches and in a sense it was the best training. Coach Lee designed these trials and I trust him. For me he is the best coach in the world. He probably brought home more gold medals than anyone else. I have known him since I started to shoot recurve. He is like family. He is so good in pointing out the little things that are wrong in your shooting. He knows exactly what he wants and how you should shoot to perform at your best. He makes you achieve your best potential.
I hope I stick to my mental game until the Beijing Olympics and I hope for the best there!
Recurve Women
Victoria Koval (UKR) My coach was counting down the clock and I am sure I shot with one second left. Unfortunately the judge saw it differently and removed the points of the highest arrow of that end. Judge’s mistakes happen, but I think it was a terrible decision, because it really penalized me. It penalized the whole show. I wish for all the sportsmen that it will never happen again. Although the jury of appeal gave me back 9 points, the match was not the same anymore. I came from a small lead to a big deficit. The Korean archer did not feel any pressure any more and she just had to carry on until the end. I tried to keep shooting good arrows but the emotion was not the same.
In any case, this my best result ever and I hope this is good preparation for the games.
Compound Men
Sergio Pagni (ITA) I was not happy at all with my first three arrows. So when the judges were scoring, I relaxed. I concentrated again on me and the target, and since then I shot well. I shot like I want to shoot. I wasn’t sure I could come back in the game but I finished very strong and won the match. With this second World Cup victory I will be more relaxed going to Boé. I really hope I will make the World Cup Final!
Peter Elzinga (USA) I think it was a great match! 118 – 117 is such a high score in front of such a crowd, on such a field! That’s good for archery! I hope every one enjoyed it. I am happy I took this one from Patrizio (Hofer) and this bronze medal may as well be the difference for a place in the World Cup Final. In any case, in this category a lot can still happen in Boé.
Compound Women
Eugenia Salvi (ITA) Coming on this final field, I would have been actually happy with a second place, but when I stood on the shooting line I was determined to win. Jamie Van Natta is a great archer. We shot both very well and the match went to a shoot-off. When she scored a 10 in the shoot-off, I kept my focus. I managed to shoot another 10 and then I won at the next arrow. I needed a good result in this competition to keep my chances alive for the World Cup Final. I prepared myself mentally and physically like it was a World Championships. I guess I should do that all the time… (Redaction note: she is currently the Outdoor and Indoor World Champion).
Ivana Buden (CRO) I shot much better than on the final field of Santo Domingo, but there it was very windy. I also shoot three pounds more with my bow now and I feel more stable. My shots are more solid. Although I have now three good results this year, I wouldn’t bet that I am locked for the World Cup Final. All the girls behind have the potential to win in Boé and that could change everything in the ranking.
Didier Miéville FITA Communication