Mexico City – Four archers from Baja California are one step closer to representing Mexico on the international stage, having successfully navigated the third phase of the national team selection process. The athletes are now poised to compete in Phase 4, a pivotal stage in their quest to join the Mexican National Archery Team for 2026.
The competition thus far has taken place at the Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento (CNAR) – the National Center for High Performance – in Mexico City. This facility serves as a central hub for elite athlete development within the country and is dedicated to fostering excellence in various sports.
Adriana Castillo and Ximena Estrada, competing in the compound bow discipline, along with Francisco Padilla and Rebeca Márquez, representing the recurve bow category, are the four athletes continuing in the selection process, which is sanctioned by World Archery Mexico. Eight archers, split by modality and gender, remain in contention for a coveted spot on the national team.
The recent Phase 3 results showcased strong performances from the Baja California contingent. In the women’s compound bow event, Adriana Castillo secured second place with a score of 249 bonus points. Ximena Estrada followed closely, finishing fifth with 90 points, which was enough to maintain her position among the top eight contenders.
On the men’s recurve bow side, Francisco Padilla also achieved a second-place finish, accumulating 235 bonus points. Rebeca Márquez, competing in the women’s recurve bow, earned a fifth-place ranking with a score of 103 points.
All four archers hail from Tijuana, Baja California, and are now awaiting official confirmation from World Archery Mexico regarding the date and location of Phase 4. That information is expected to be announced by the organization’s president, Gabriel Ramos, and technical director, Juan René Serrano.
The stakes are high as these athletes aim to represent Mexico at the 2026 Pan American Championships. Success at that event will be crucial, as it will offer qualifying spots for the 2027 Pan American Games. The Pan American Games are a major multi-sport event, and a strong showing there is often a stepping stone to even larger competitions, like the Olympics.
Beyond the Pan American Championships, the international archery calendar includes the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, as well as various stages of the Archery World Cup circuit. These events provide valuable competitive experience and opportunities for archers to test their skills against the best in the world.
Not all athletes from Baja California advanced beyond Phase 3. Luis Álvarez, competing in the recurve bow category, and Carlos Espejo, in the compound bow, were unfortunately unable to progress to the next round.
The CNAR, as a key training ground for Mexican athletes, plays a vital role in preparing them for these international competitions. The facility provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and coaching, allowing athletes to hone their skills and reach their full potential. For those unfamiliar, the CNAR is operated by the CONADE – the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sport – and is dedicated to the development of talent across a wide range of sports.
The selection process is rigorous, designed to identify the most skilled and consistent archers in the country. Archery requires not only physical strength and precision, but also mental fortitude and the ability to perform under pressure. These four athletes from Baja California have demonstrated those qualities thus far, and will be looking to build on their success in Phase 4.
As the athletes prepare for the next stage, they will undoubtedly be focused on refining their technique, building their endurance, and maintaining their mental focus. The competition will be fierce, but these four archers have proven they have what it takes to contend for a spot on the Mexican National Team.
The next announcement from World Archery Mexico regarding the Phase 4 schedule and location will be closely watched by the archery community in Baja California and throughout the country. Stay tuned for further updates as these athletes continue their journey towards representing Mexico on the world stage.
