Sarah Hubbard breaks five-week-old barebow world record with 650

Sarah Hubbard has broken her own barebow women’s 50-metre qualification round world record, shooting 650 out of a possible 720 at stage three of the Archery GB National Tour in Wisley on 20 June.

The mark remains subject to ratification.

Hubbard added two points to her previous world record of 648, set just five weeks earlier at stage two of the same tour.

“Holding it together on that last end is really tough,” she said. “I’ve been there before, but I managed to do it again and was absolutely thrilled.”

She admitted the pressure builds long before the final arrows.

“You’re aware halfway through. You really know about four ends from the finish, and then with three ends to go it really gets serious. Two ends to go and you’re like, ‘Oh dear!’”

The 42-year-old, who has competed since 2011, credits a more settled personal and professional life for her outstanding form this season.

“I feel a lot more focused every time I turn up at a shoot now, and really switched on,” she said.

The new mark is the third world record of her career.

“I lost the record about a year and a half ago [to Giulia Mantilli]. Last year I spent the whole year thinking, ‘Right, I want this back.’ But this year I’m not doing that. This year I’m just turning up and shooting.”

Hubbard’s next goal is to break the double 50-metre world record, currently held by Mantilli, and she believes there is still more to come.

“I know I can shoot a 660. That’s what I’m working towards now.”

Although she has relatively limited international experience – her best result being third place at the 2023 Kings of Archery behind Cecilie Skodje and Cinzia Noziglia – Hubbard says she strongly prefers competing outdoors in the UK.

“I’m hanging on for barebow to become part of the outdoor international scene. And when it does, I’ll be there like a shot.”