Preview: San Salvador qualifier launches Central America’s road to LA28

The tropical climes of El Salvador in Spring sees 132 archers from across the region gather for the San Salvador 2026 Grand Prix of the Americas on 15-19 April.

As well as national teams, this competition includes entries from clubs in El Salvador and Mexico, alongside larger teams from the Dominican Republic, Panama and Guatemala, and a handful of athletes from lesser-spotted archery nations including Curaçao, Bermuda, Martinique and the British Virgin Islands.

The main draw for most archers is qualification spots for the Central American and Caribbean Games, the oldest regional multisport competition in existence.

Held every four years, traditionally at the midpoint of the Summer Olympic cycle, the event includes competitors from 32 nations across Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and northern South America.

The upcoming 25th edition in July and August in Santo Domingo is set to be a historic celebration, marking 100 years since the Games first began. It is the third time the event has been held in the Dominican Republic.

San Salvador this week is the second qualifier for those Games, which in turn serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, itself a potential qualifier for the LA28 Olympic Games.

Perhaps the best-known athlete taking the field is hometown hero Roberto Hernandez, El Salvador’s most decorated compound archer, who has previously stated his Olympic ambitions.