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Resurgent Horackova tops qualifying at European championships

19 May 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

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Czechia’s Marie Horackova, the 2023 world champion, topped qualification at the 2026 European Outdoor Championships in Antalya with 672 – a full six points clear of Spain’s Elia Canales in second place.

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

Horackova, who placed second at the Spring Arrows tournament at the same venue last month behind Elif Gokkir, has experienced mixed outdoor results since her remarkable world title win in Berlin, but has shown a clear resurgence in form recently both indoors and outdoors.

“The first half I wasn’t as good as I expected to be, but I managed and pushed myself to do better,” she added. “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!”

Third place went to 18-year-old Paula Álvarez González on 665, helping Spain top the recurve women’s team rankings ahead of a surprisingly strong Great Britain side in second.

Olympic team silver medallist Baptiste Addis – who won two individual medals on last year’s Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit – topped the recurve men’s rankings with 688, ahead of Mete Gazoz and Moritz Wieser, who both shot 684.

Compound qualification in the afternoon featured several familiar names near the top of the standings.

The compound women’s ranking round was led by host nation archer Hazal Burun with 706 and 31 Xs, pushing Türkiye to the top of the team standings. Ella Gibson finished second on 706 with 25 Xs, while Denmark’s Tanja Gellenthien placed third on 704.

Defending champion Mathias Fullerton topped the compound men’s rankings after 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,” said Fullerton. “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 shoot some good scores.”

In order, the trio are ranked world number one, world number three and world number two – setting up the prospect of another huge compound showdown later this week.