The 76th South African Outdoor Target Archery nationals will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27 to 29 March, drawing 154 archers from across South Africa and as far afield as Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mauritius, a truly international shooting line.
Competing under strict World Archery (WA) rules, archers will battle it out on the classic outdoor target faces where the tiny eight-centimeters yellow centre is the ultimate prize.
Namibia sent a nine-archer squad, including compound athletes, a barebow specialist, and para-archers. Former medal-winners Jannie Meuwesen, Babette Taljaard, Ilana Malan, Jacqueline Coetzee and Lutz Wahlers return to chase more podium finishes. The father-son team of Louan and AJ Groenewald continue a remarkable three-generation family legacy, while newcomer Bianca Karsten aims to make her first Nationals count. Para-archer Jan-Lotz du Toit will also be looking to push his personal best.
Supporting the team behind the line are physiotherapist Anke Albat, public relations and media officer Heidi Meuwesen, para-archer agent Engela du Toit and manager J. du Toit (Sr).
“After winning six medals at last year’s Nationals, Namibia is hoping for an even stronger showing. Competition opens today with the pressure packed 720 round qualifications, where 72 arrows set the rankings. Saturday brings elimination matches up to all bronze finals, including team and mixed team events. Sunday closes with the gold and silver medal matches plus prize giving.
“Barebow archers will use the nail biting set system and tied matches across all divisions can be decided by the ultimate test: a single arrow shoot off,” read the statement from the Archery Association of Namibia.
Namibia will also contest the Compound and Compound 50+ mixed team events, where teamwork is as important as steady aim.