Colombian Archers Aim for Success at Pan American Championship

03:37 PM

Sitting opposite each other while they take a short break in the routine they carry out by shooting arrows at the Belén sports unit, in Medellín, Alejandra Usquiano and Nora Valdez agree that they remain firm in archery as they feel that they can continue between the best in this sport, even reaching the top of the world, an honor enjoyed in the last decade by her compatriot Sara López, considered a legend in the compound modality.

First rivals, then teammates and then friends, the three of them, thanks to the talent they possess and the cohesion they have had as a team, managed to make Colombia a power in this specialty. If one fails, the others are present to put their chest to the breeze.

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In the midst of the superiority that López has shown, the 28-year-old Rirasaldense who has won everything that can be at stake in the activity she practices, has also given signs that she is not always unbeatable. Alejandra and Nora, on some occasions, have beaten her in local and international events.

Now in Medellín, host this week of the Pan American Championship, these athletes will not only seek new titles for the country, but also obtain the places that are in dispute for the World Games in Chengdu, China, in 2025.

“We have had a preparation of weeks, even months, since the great objective of this year is to qualify for the World Games again. The idea is also to enjoy the Pan American and more because it is at home. In reality we have done a good job, everything has gone well,” said Usquiano, 30 years old, from Antioquia.

Nora, who was born 26 years ago in Cartagena, but who polished herself for the bow in Bogotá, says that there is no pressure beyond being the favorites for the gold medals this Saturday in the continental competition in the capital of Paisa.

“Enjoying each competition is what has helped us achieve great things. We have learned that when we focus on the result comes unnecessary pressure. So, we simply concentrate on putting into practice what we have worked on in training so that everything flows in the best way,” said Nora, expressing that it is a triumph for her to integrate a team that includes two of the best goalkeepers in the history of this sport.

López, who holds several world records, is currently number 2 in the international ranking; Usquiano, who won the World Cup final in Paris in 2013, continues to impress with her technique and precision. At the beginning of 2024, in Nimes, France, she became the first Colombian to win an indoor World Series stop.

Valdez stated that the high level that Colombia has is due to the leading role of Aleja and Sara, which has allowed the other archers in the country to strive to improve and appear.

“When they were just starting out in this activity, they both already mastered it. Being with them is a triumph for me, a reason for pride. We are from different cities, but we have a healthy rivalry that allows us to grow as people and athletes. Every time we train, we share knowledge that is later reflected in the competition,” said Valdez, who at the Pan American Games in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2021, was first, Sara second, and Usquiano third.

“We will not stay in the past, much less if we achieve a victory. We always want more, that is another of the strengths we have, that we think about the future,” Nora added.

“Getting where we are was not easy, but staying there has been harder, more complicated. Discipline has played a determining role, but so has unity. The ego that is managed here is healthy, anyone who contributes is well received. There is no pressure, on the contrary, the union and respect between us all strengthens us to continue achieving important things,” added Alejandra.

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And with that winning mentality, the three are already competing in the Pan American Championship, where they hope to hit the target of new sporting successes.

2024-04-12 00:53:37
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