Building bonds beyond competition: Archery spirit shines at University Games
At the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, Canadian compound archer Brynnleigh Lohner’s experience became a shining example of the camaraderie and support that define archery beyond competition.
After two stopovers on her way to Essen, Lohner arrived to find her bow – a carefully crafted and highly personalised tool essential to her performance – missing. For any archer, such a loss can be devastating, but giving up was not an option.
“It’s a little bit of a roller coaster because I was like kind of accepting the fact that I probably wasn’t going to shoot this week, and then, I was offered a couple bows,” Lohner shared with Sarah Maat, part of the FISU young reporters programme.
“There’s a lot of work and a lot of hours that get put into setting up this equipment so when it goes missing it’s a little devastating,” the kinesiology student at the University of Calgary explained.
Portugal’s Giselle De Sousa and USA’s Sydney Sullenberger, standing behind her in the equipment check line, immediately offered to help. Lohner tried out De Sousa’s backup bow, which turned out to be a perfect draw length fit.
The story of support didn’t end there.
Lohner’s teammates, along with archers from Croatia and Singapore, stepped in with spare gear – shoes, quiver, arrows – and advice, helping her adjust to the new equipment and prepare for the women’s compound qualifying on Tuesday.
“I definitely notice after being able to compete in a lot of other different international archery events that there is a huge sportsmanship component and a huge sense that everyone’s willing to help each other out, that’s just kind of the environment in archery,” Lohner said.
“Whatever you need, people are going to step in, and they are going to help you even though they have never met you before.”
The collective effort showcased a vital aspect of archery’s culture – one where respect, friendship and fair play take precedence over rivalry.
Despite qualifying for the second day of competition using the borrowed bow, Lohner was unable to complete all 72 arrows, as the draw weight was too heavy and risked causing a shoulder injury.
“Even though I am not able to shoot to the best of my ability, and everything is kind of crazy right now, I’m focused on just enjoying the experience anyway, and being able to be proud of how I’ve overcome this kind of experience,“ the 21-year-old reflected.
Still mindful of the risk, the Canadian archer decided not to compete in her elimination match against USA’s Leann Drake this morning.
But her story highlighted that archery is more than precision and scores. It’s also about the human connections forged through shared passion and mutual support, reflecting the values World Archery champions worldwide.
Original story and quotes by FISU young reporter Sarah Maat. Images © Rhine-Ruhr 2025 / Jody Wacowich.
