Day two of SA Archery Nationals tests skill and focus
The pressure is on as competitors face off in knockout stages at Marks Park.
Competition intensified on March 28 as day two of the 76th South African National Archery Championships unfolded at Marks Park, with elimination rounds testing both skill and mental focus.
According to Barbara Manning, secretary of the national federation and a continental vice president for archery, the event is running smoothly despite the pressure on competitors.
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“Day two is moving quite fast,” she said. “It’s a higher-level event, and for many archers, this is something they only experience once a year, so there’s always a learning curve.”
The elimination stage sees archers compete head-to-head, with top-ranked competitors facing lower-ranked opponents. In recurve divisions, archers compete in a set system, while compound competitors rely on cumulative scoring — a format said to demand consistency under pressure.
While results begin to take shape, Manning said rankings do not always determine outcomes. “Eliminations require a completely different mindset. You have to stay in your own bubble and not focus on your opponent.”
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Despite the competitive intensity, the spirit on the field remains collaborative. “Archery is like a family,” she said. “If someone’s equipment breaks, another archer will help. That’s rare in sport.”
Weather also plays a critical role, with rain and wind capable of affecting accuracy but the competition would continue regardless of conditions.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Namibian archer, Jacqueline Coetzee explains the differences between the bows used by archers on competition days and within the sporting code. Video: Neo Phashe #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #johannesburg #Sportsnews #Acher #SA ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Beyond medals, the event also highlights continental growth, with international participation said to strengthe connections across Africa.
“We want to show the world that Africa is growing and worthy of investment,” Manning said. “Every year, this tournament gets bigger and that’s the goal.”
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