New world #1 Alvarino credits support team in Instagram post

Now the recurve men’s world number one after becoming European Champion in Munich and a medallist at both stages of the Hyundai Archery World Cup held so far this season…

…it’s already been a great 2022 for Spanish archer Miguel Alvarino Garcia – and it is still only June.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the 2015 Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion reveals how his success is down to his whole support team, praising what he calls: “Team Miguel Alvarino. The best team in the world.”

WhatsApp, pizza, his grandmother and mowing the lawn all feature in this team that has propelled him to the top of the global rankings for the first time in his career.

“When I look at these medals, I can’t help but think about how I was, months ago,” he starts. “For this reason, I want to dedicate this post to my work team. I know it may sound ironic that the coaches of the number one in the world ranking are not professional, but it is true and today I want to share that with you.”

“My friend, mister Xaquín, combines his work and family life with helping me to be better today than yesterday technically (and many times psychologically, too).”

“We can’t see each other every day, but he writes to me on WhatsApp, I send him videos and from time to time we meet to perfect the technique and eat pizza together… although, I have to say that he is also an excellent chef together with his wife, Gema,” continues Alvarino.

“Whenever I go to his house, he welcomes me with open doors and we talk about sports and life. It is very enriching to have people around you who have experienced sport as intensely as I am experiencing it.”

Alvarino also praised the first coach he had and one who is still by his side today.

“I am complete with coaches because I still have the help of Manuel Buitrón, my coach since I started in this sport,” said the 28-year-old. “This year, he has travelled the A6 road with me to Madrid on several occasions to attend the national team qualifiers. With him, I have beaten the Spanish record this year.”

He went on to mention his partner, Cristina, who trains his mental game and for her support, as well as his sponsors, friend Jaime, gym, physio Rachel, parents, family and friends, who have “…been there when I was really bad, and this year they celebrate my sporting achievements with great enthusiasm”.

Miguel ends the post with a message to his fans, thanking them for their message of support.

“This is my little, great team [but] above all, they are family and that is where the magic lies,” he says.

Miguel jumped three places in the recurve men’s world ranking on Monday 13 June to overtake reigning World Archery Champion Kim Woojin, five-time Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion Brady Ellison and Olympic Champion Mete Gazoz – and secure the number one spot for the first time in his career.

Prior to this year, his previous high was sixth in early 2016, after the breakout season that saw him claim gold at the inaugural European Games and the 2015 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Mexico City. Alvarino will return to Mexico for the same event – this time in Tlaxcala – at the end of this year after winning the season opener in Antalya.

He’ll be back in international action next week at the third stage of the tour in Paris.

Some photos courtesy Miguel Alvarino/Instagram.