Rosario, Argentina – San Juan province native Lucas Garcés, a rising star in archery, is preparing to compete in a national selection event in Buenos Aires with two coveted spots for the Argentine team at the upcoming 2026 ODESUR Games on the line. The ODESUR Games, a multi-sport event for South American countries, will be held in Rosario, Santa Fe, from September 12-26, 2026.
Garcés, 36, will be vying for one of two places on the Argentine squad. The selection event represents a crucial opportunity for the archer to showcase his skills and secure his place at the regional competition. Archery, a sport with ancient roots as both a hunting tool and a weapon of war, demands precision, focus and consistent technique.
The athlete’s recent form suggests he is well-prepared for this challenge. Just last month, on May 24th, Garcés participated in an open-air tournament organized by Tiro Federal Mendoza, achieving a score of 688 points. This performance was sufficient to qualify him for re-entry into the Argentine national team selection process, as the qualifying standard is 680 points.
Building on that success, Garcés continued his strong performance at the Torneo de Arqueros Andinos on May 25th. He surpassed his previous personal best, scoring 695 points and winning the eliminatory rounds, ultimately being crowned champion of the tournament. This victory further solidified his position as a top contender for a spot on the ODESUR Games team.
“The tournament in Mendoza on May 24th saw me achieve 688 points, enough to rejoin the Argentine selection process, as the requirement is 680,” Garcés stated. He continued, reflecting on his subsequent win, “The following day, May 25th, the Torneo de Arqueros Andinos took place, where I broke my own record with 695 points and too won the eliminatory rounds, earning the tournament championship.”
Garcés credits the support of the Secretaría de Deporte (Secretary of Sport) for his recent achievements. He emphasized the value of having access to a dedicated coach, opportunities for skill development, and financial assistance for travel to competitions. “All this performance I’ve been having lately is thanks to the Secretary of Sport, which supports me with a sports coach, different activities that allow me to improve, and financial aid with travel to competitions, which means my performance continues to grow as I can gain more experience competing,” he said. “So many thanks to the Secretary of Sport for the support, as without them I couldn’t grow.”
The ODESUR Games are a significant event for athletes across South America, providing a platform to compete at a high level and represent their nations. For Garcés, the upcoming selection event is a critical step towards realizing his dream of competing in Rosario and contributing to Argentina’s success at the Games. The competition in Buenos Aires will undoubtedly be fierce, but Garcés’s recent form and dedication suggest he is well-positioned to contend for a spot on the team.
The stakes are high as athletes across the continent prepare for the multi-sport event. The ODESUR Games serve as a key stepping stone for many athletes aspiring to compete on the world stage, including the Olympic Games. Garcés’s participation in the national selection event underscores the growing strength of archery in Argentina and the commitment of the Secretaría de Deporte to supporting its athletes.
Following the selection event, the Argentine team will initiate preparations for the ODESUR Games in Rosario. Fans can follow updates on Garcés’s progress and the Argentine archery team through official channels as the Games approach. The next confirmed checkpoint for Garcés is the national selection event in Buenos Aires, where he will aim to secure his place on the Argentine team for the ODESUR Games.
What are your thoughts on Lucas Garcés’s chances at the selection event? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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