Marc Dellenbach to coach Mexico through LA28 Olympic cycle

Marc Dellenbach will take on a temporary assignment away from his role as head coach at the World Archery Excellence Centre in Lausanne to lead the national recurve squad of Mexico through the LA28 Olympic Games, as announced during a press conference in Puebla today.

The appointment, agreed between World Archery’s foundation for international archery development (FIDTA) and World Archery Mexico, sees one of the sport’s most experienced trainers return to the coaching box.

“I’m very proud to join the Mexican national team for the remainder of this Olympic cycle,”  said Dellenbach. “Mexico has extraordinary talent, a deep passion for archery and clear competitive ambition for Los Angeles.”

“My role at the World Archery Excellence Centre is a privilege, and I have a responsibility to continue to develop my own skills as the team continues to push coaching standards and education forward. I always speak about the three Ts – talent, training, and time.”

“Mexico has the talent, now we’ll invest in the time and the training – together. There are 872 days to Los Angeles. Every day counts!”

Dellenbach has worked closely in Lausanne with Olympic medallist Alejandra Valencia – as well as the Czech national team and other elite archers – since joining the Excellence Centre as head coach in 2023.

That collaboration led to discussions about a longer-term commitment as Mexico looks to evolve its world-class programme ahead of a pivotal Olympics. Securing the services of a top-tier trainer who has led teams to six Olympics and has secured several medals for the French and German national teams at the Games has Mexico poised to make another leap forward on the world’s biggest stage.

“Mexico is building a legacy in international archery and we believe the next step requires proven world-class leadership,” said World Archery Mexico president Gabriel Ramos. “Marc brings Olympic experience and technical precision, and has already built the foundations of a strong collaboration with our athletes.”

“We’re excited to begin this new chapter together as we prepare for Los Angeles.”

As Dellenbach steps into the lead role with the recurve squad, established Mexican coach Karen Montellano – who was given a national award in 2025 – will focus on the compounds ahead of their Olympic debut in LA.

“I want to thank Marc – sincerely and personally – for everything he has given to the World Archery Excellence Centre to date. He has not only coached many world-class athletes, he has helped grow a culture of high performance, collaboration and ambition that will remain in place while he is in Mexico,“ said World Archery executive director Juan Carlos Holgado.

“The Excellence Centre is a hub for sharing knowledge across borders and raising standards worldwide. That a leading coach from the facility is trusted with guiding one of archery’s top nations through an Olympic cycle not only shows the strength of our elite system but highlights the maturity of our global coaching network.”

“We are all excited for both Marc and World Archery Mexico for this appointment. And while he is in Mexico, we’re confident that the World Archery Excellence Centre and World Archery’s education programmes will continue to develop the skills of the next generation of elite coaches here in Switzerland and around the globe.”

The appointment reflects World Archery’s commitment to strengthening high-performance collaborations between the Excellence Centre and its member associations.

The international federation’s elite coach education programmes and training activities will continue under the leadership of the existing team during Dellenbach’s three-year assignment with World Archery Mexico, after which he is expected to return to his role at the World Archery Excellence Centre.