Rising Star Leo Vivas Disrupts Senior Ranks at Argentine Archery Selection

At just 17 years old, Leo Ezequiel Vivas is rapidly transitioning from a promising youth prospect to a legitimate threat in the senior ranks of Argentine archery. In a recent high-stakes evaluatory event in La Plata, the San Francisco native proved that age is a secondary factor when precision and mental fortitude take center stage.

Vivas, a member of the U21 reserve for the national team, entered the selection process not merely to gain experience, but to challenge the established hierarchy of the sport in Argentina. Competing against the country’s top exponents, Vivas delivered a performance that signaled his readiness for the international senior stage.

Breaking Through in La Plata

The evaluatory event, held from March 13 to 16, 2026, at the Academia de Tiro con Arco in La Plata, served as the primary filter for forming the teams that will represent Argentina in upcoming international competitions. The format was grueling, utilizing a Round Robin system—a “everyone against everyone” approach designed to test not only peak performance but sustained regularity under pressure.

Competing at a distance of 70 meters, Vivas was called up to participate in both the Sub 21 and Senior categories. He secured a fourth-place finish in the Recurvo Masculino U21 category and, perhaps more impressively, climbed to sixth place in the general Senior classification.

The most striking aspect of Vivas’ performance was his ability to dismantle seasoned veterans. Records present that the teenager secured individual victories over two of the national team’s most prominent figures: Damián Jajarabilla, who represented Argentina at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and Esteban Silva, a decorated Pan American medalist.

The Road to Medellín and Tlaxcala

These results are more than just statistical anomalies; they are critical markers for the 2026 international calendar. The La Plata selection process is the gateway for athletes eyeing spots in two major upcoming events: the Pan American Youth Championships in Medellín and the Pan American Championships / Pan American Games Qualifier in Tlaxcala.

For a global audience, the distinction between the U21 and Senior ranks is often a matter of physical maturity and psychological endurance. By placing sixth overall in the Senior category, Vivas has demonstrated a level of competitive maturity that puts him on a fast track for these prestigious qualifiers.

A Foundation of Discipline: The Rise of Leo Vivas

Vivas’ current trajectory is the result of a journey that began at age 12. Introduced to the sport during extended physical education days in primary school, he was immediately drawn to the unique mechanical demands of archery. Unlike traditional sports that rely heavily on leg power, Vivas noted that archery engaged muscles and coordination patterns he had never experienced before.

The year 2025 served as the catalyst for his current success. During that season, Vivas integrated into the Argentine National Team and made his mark on the international stage in Santiago, Chile. At the South American competition, he finished ninth in the individual standings and helped lead the men’s team to a third-place podium finish. He capped off the year ranked fourth in the national standings, establishing himself as one of the top young archers in the country.

The Architecture of Performance

Success at the 70-meter mark requires a holistic approach to training. Vivas operates out of the Tiro y Gimnasia club in San Francisco, where he maintains a rigorous schedule. His routine consists of four days a week of long-distance shots at the club, supplemented by close-range sessions at home to refine form and consistency.

Beyond the bow, Vivas utilizes a specialized support team to manage the physical and mental tolls of elite competition:

• Physical Preparation: He works with Leo Gallo in the gym to build the core strength and stability necessary for recurve archery.
• Psychological Support: He trains with Julieta Hidalgo to master the concentration and pressure control required during the final arrows of a match.

This structured environment is mirrored in the culture of his home club. Vivas describes Tiro y Gimnasia as a highly united group, ranging from 7-year-old beginners to practitioners over 50, creating a multi-generational learning environment that blends technical skill with social support.

As the Argentine archery federation finalizes its rosters, Vivas stands as a prime example of the new generation of athletes capable of bridging the gap between youth development and senior excellence. His ability to outshoot an Olympian is not just a win for the athlete, but a signal of the depth and evolving talent pool within Argentine archery.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Vivas and his peers will be the official confirmation of the squads heading to the Pan American Youth Championships in Medellín and the qualifiers in Tlaxcala. All eyes will be on whether the 17-year-old can translate his domestic dominance into international hardware.

Do you think Vivas’ rise signals a shift in the Argentine national team’s hierarchy? Let us recognize in the comments.