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Resurgent Horackova tops qualifying at European Outdoor Championships

19 mai 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

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Czechia‘s Marie Horackova, the 2023 World Champion, topped qualifying today at the European Outdoor Championships 2026 in Antalya with 672, a full six points ahead of Spain’s Elia Canales in second place.

“I’m a bit surprised that the other scores weren’t that high. I expected higher results this tournament, but I’m super happy I managed to rank first.” said 28-year-old Horackova, who is the European record holder for the 70 metre qualification round.

Horackova, who placed second at the Spring Arrows tournament at the same venue last month behind Elif Gokkir, has had mixed results outdoors since her incredible World Championship win in Berlin, but has seen a surge in form recently indoors and out.

“The first half I wasn’t as good as I expected to be. But I managed and pushed myself to do better. I love archery. It’s kind of my life. Sometimes it’s difficult to go to practice if I’m having a bad day or if I struggle with something.”

“But I still believe there are goals to achieve and this motivates me. I like the people I meet every year at these competitions. I also love my team!” she added.

In third place with 665 was the 18-year-old Paula Álvarez González, ensuring Spain topped the women’s team rankings, with Great Britain in a surprisingly strong second place.

2024 Olympic team silver medallist Baptiste Addis, who medalled twice individually on last year’s World Cup circuit, topped the men’s rankings with 688, with Mete Gazoz in 2nd place and Germany’s Moritz Wieser in third.

Compound qualifying in the afternoon saw some familiar names on the board; the compound women’s list was topped by the host nation’s Hazal Burun with 706 and 31x, pushing Türkiye to the top of the team list, with Ella Gibson in 2nd on 706 and 25x and Tanja Gellenthien in third.

The men’s compound rankings saw defending champion Mathias Fullerton take pole position, matching the European record with 718, followed by Mike Schloesser on 716 and Nicolas Girard on 712.

“I think I can defend my title, so I could achieve a win. But I’m really focused on shooting good right now, that’s the most fun. For me I think I can achieve a fun trip and shooting some good scores.” said Fullerton.

In order, these men are ranked world number one, world number three and world number two – suggesting yet another massive compound showdown coming later in the week.