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17-year-old Savannah O’Donohue shines on World Cup debut to make final four

9 June 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

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Savannah O'Donohue smiling at the target after reaching the compound women final fours at Antalya 2026.

As far as Hyundai Archery World Cup debuts go, Savannah O’Donohue’s could hardly have gone much better.

At just 17 years old, the reigning World Archery Youth Champion reached the compound women’s final four at Antalya 2026, stage three of the Hyundai Archery World Cup, at the first attempt.

A score of 690 in qualification on Tuesday provided a strong start to her week on archery’s premier international circuit, but shooting as the 23rd seed guaranteed difficult matches against far more experienced opponents.

O’Donohue responded impressively.

The American defeated 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final silver medallist Tanja Gellenthien 146-145 before eliminating second seed Katharina Raab of Germany 146-144 in difficult windy and humid conditions at the Gloria Sports Arena.

“It’s a dream come true, honestly,” said O’Donohue, who immediately turned to ask her coach about the next match despite having just secured her place in Saturday’s finals.

“I knew I really wanted to make it this far; however, to actually make it is incredible. Everyone who shot was amazing.”

“I’m just so happy that I can be here and represent team USA. I’ve trained a lot for it. I knew my parents were going to sacrifice a lot for me, so I really wanted them to be proud.”

Not all of USA’s compound squad travelled to Antalya, as this stage was designated a self-funded event for American athletes, opening opportunities for younger archers such as O’Donohue.

Savannah O'Donohue just after releasing a shot during a compound women match at Antalya 2026.

The chance to become one of the youngest Hyundai Archery World Cup stage winners in history is one she has embraced fully.

She now heads into finals weekend with little pressure and plenty of belief.

“I tell everyone that anybody can shoot archery, regardless of background,” said the two-time Pan American Youth silver medallist when asked what helps her compete so comfortably at senior level. “I think it’s really about how you train mentally. It takes a lot of mental energy to keep pushing, especially with the heat and all the conditions that we go through.”

“All the wind – you really have to dig deep and keep going.”

“I always keep telling myself it’s just one more arrow. I never focus on the arrows ahead or the arrows I’ve already shot. I always just keep looking forward.”

Standing between O’Donohue and a place in the gold medal match is reigning World Archery Champion Andrea Becerra of Mexico.

Should the American progress, she could then face Sara Lopez of Colombia, who is aiming for the 10th Hyundai Archery World Cup stage title of her career.

Qualification and eliminations are now complete in Antalya, with finals action beginning on Saturday morning with the compound team gold medal matches.