Five to watch at Medellin’s 10-year anniversary as World Cup stage host

Two stages completed, two more to come in 2023.

The Hyundai Archery World Cup season moves past its halfway point when competition arrows fly on Tuesday afternoon in Medellin, where four of the eight remaining winner tickets to the end-of-season finals will be won.

It’s not the hometown but it is the home country of all-time circuit trophy leader Sara Lopez.

The seven-time Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion is the first of our five archers to watch next week in Medellin…

1. Sara Lopez

Who are they? Compound woman from Colombia.

What’s the story? Sara is the greatest compound woman of all time – and she’s a well-known sporting figure in Colombia. Competing on home soil has brought significant success, with four podiums in her last four appearances at a stage of the tour in Medellin, including three wins.

It was bronze in 2022 – but a world record in the arena, too. More fireworks for Lopez in 2023?

What’s the goal? Book a ticket for a ninth career circuit final.

Vital statistics:

• Age: 28
• World ranking: 3
• Best result: Seven-time Hyundai Archery World Cup Final Champion.
• Instagram: @saralopez150

2. Mete Gazoz

Who are they? Recurve man from Türkiye.

What’s the story? The Olympic Champion had made a successful start to the outdoor season in two early European outings – gold at the Spring Arrows, on his own range in Antalya, and bronze at the first European Grand Prix – but has struggled to crack the later rounds on the World Cup, taking a pair of ninth places so far.

He picked up another European win last week at the European Grand Prix in Umag so the form is definitely there. He just needs things to break right.

What’s the goal? Find a little luck.

Vital statistics:

• Age: 23
• World ranking: 10
• Best result: Reigning Olympic Champion.
• Instagram: @metegazoz

3. Alejandra Valencia

Who are they? Recurve woman from Mexico.

What’s the story? In five appearances at an Americas circuit stage in Medellin, Valencia has never reached the final four. Looking towards a Hyundai Archery World Cup Final taking place in her hometown of Hermosillo, the time is right to make amends.

What’s the goal? Double Mexico’s quota for Hermosillo by winning a spot. (The host national has an automatic ticket.)

Vital statistics:

• Age: 28
• World ranking: 19
• Best result: Tokyo 2020 mixed team bronze medallist.
• Instagram: @micozito

4. James Lutz

Who are they? Compound man from the USA.

What’s the story? Lutz is a defending winner from last year. In three Hyundai Archery World Cup season appearances to date, he has reached the end-of-season final twice, thanks to stage wins in Antalya (2019) and Medellin (2022).

Over his four-year international career, Jimmy’s been something of an all-or-nothing competitor. He either wins it, or falls out early.

What’s the goal? Avoid an early defeat.

Vital statistics:

• Age: 25
• World ranking: 9
• Best result: 2019 World Archery Champion. 
• Instagram: @jameslutz_

5. Katharina Bauer

Who are they? Recurve woman from Germany.

What’s the story? Germany’s results have been largely disappointing so far this season, despite accruing numerous podiums in 2022 – and a home Hyundai World Archery Championships on the horizon. (It starts on 1 August.) A result prior to Berlin is a must – and it’s time for the number three in the recurve women’s world ranking, Bauer, to rise to her billing.

What’s the goal? Put Germany back on the podium.

Vital statistics:

• Age: 27
• World ranking: 3
• Best result: 2022 European team champion and individual bronze medallist.
• Instagram: @_kaathi__