New champions dominate European Cup Circuit

There were four first-time champions at the Para Archery European Cup Circuit in Olbia, Italy, but it was the experienced host nation who finished top of the medal standings.

Italy ended the first leg with ten medals (five gold, four silver and one bronze), ahead of Russia* (six medals) and Turkey (five medals).

Eleanora Sarti won the open compound women individual, Roberto Airoldi the open recurve men individual, with Italy also picking up the men's and women's open recurve and open compound team events.

The Russian pair of Svetlana Barantseva and Elena Krutova won their first major individual titles; Barantseva in the recurve women's open and Krutova the W1 women.

Turkey’s Erodogan Ayan won gold in the men’s open compound, the first time he has won an individual title, although he has collected many team medals. Uwe Herter of Germany completed the list of debut champions with his first gold medal in the men’s W1.

The Para Archery European Cup Circuit awards the best individual archers and national mixed teams of the year. The second and final stage will be in Nove Mesto (CZE) from 15 to 23 July.

*Editor’s note: The International Paralympic Committee suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on 7 August for its inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory). As a result of the suspension, Russian athletes cannot enter IPC sanctioned events or competitions, including the Paralympic Games. For further information please click here.