Jay BARRS (USA): “The World Cup style is incredible!”

 What are you doing now? I’m a drug dealer (laughs). I work for Johnson & Johnson Company as a drug representative.   Are you still involved in archery? Yes and no. I shoot in the Las Vegas tournament every year. It gives me a chance to see old friends and to shoot indoors. This way I don’t have to embarrass myself with training! I have been to over 30 of these championships. Otherwise I don’t shoot a whole lot.   Also, I work here in Ogden as a volunteer. Greg EASTON is a good friend and I volunteered with my wife. I’m moving targets and doing things I’m qualified to do. Today I’ll do some of the awards for the juniors.   What is your impression on the juniors and cadets competing here? I’m glad I retired. They are shooting incredibly well, especially the Koreans. I’m really glad I’m not competing with them!   The World Youth Championships did not exist when you were a junior. How did you compete at the junior level at that time? Actually, I didn’t start competing at a high level in archery until when I was 17, and I turned 18 soon after. I only competed in two Junior Olympic Games, which is a national programme for Cadets, Juniors and Intermediates in the United States. Archery is a sport you can begin late, even if you’re 40, and still be competitive. If you start in your teens or your early twenties and you have the right coach and training, it is possible to reach the highest level, even though you would have a hard time catching up. In archery like in all the other sports, the kids start always younger and younger.   What is your opinion on the Youth Olympic Games? I’m undecided. My fear is that if you give the youth too many big events, they won’t be motivated for adult tournaments anymore. You must always have something to hope for. If they have already won everything at the junior level and travelled around the world, if they move to the senior categories and don’t win straight away, they might lose their motivation. They could think they have had a good career and already done everything and just quit. I hope it won’t be the case, but that’s one of my fears.   There is always more money involved in the sport. How do you think this is affecting archery? It’s enabling some athletes to compete longer because they don’t have to end their career and find a job. At least here in the United States some can make a living, which attracts more athletes to the sport. It is necessary to have enough money in the sport, because if you want to start sports and you can chose between football, basketball, tennis, archery... You will choose the other sports because they allow you to make a living. Money could attract more talents to the sport if there was enough. Now only those who really love the sport and dream of going to the Olympics stay involved at a high level.   What do you think about the new World Cup launched by FITA in 2006? The World Cup is incredible. I wish there had been something like this back in my time. The World Cup gives athletes the opportunity to compete at big events more often. It is important, especially for the archers from the United States, who are so far from where all the big tournaments are held. This new competition raises the general level of archery, which is good for everybody.   I believe the World Cup style has been shown here at these world championships—for instance with the finals in this beautiful stadium. It has been an incredible event and I really congratulate the Organising Committee, FITA and all the people that worked for this event.   The United States will host the World Cup Stage 3 in Ogden next summer... It’s great, because usually only compound competitions are being organised in the United States. And here we have the most beautiful archery field I’ve ever seen. I have competed in many field championships but never in a venue with such a nice view of the Rocky Mountains. I’m really happy to be able to volunteer and be part of the World Cup event.   Thank you, and see you again next year in Ogden!   Vanahé ANTILLE FITA Communication