Mexico concluded its participation in the 2026 Archery World Cup stage held in Puebla with three bronze medals, marking a solid performance in the opening leg of the international circuit. The medals came across different disciplines, highlighting the depth of the nation’s archery program as it builds toward future Olympic aspirations.
On April 8, the Mexican women’s compound team claimed the first bronze medal of the tournament. Reigning world champion Maya Becerra, Pan American and Central American titleholder Dafne Quintero and Sofía Hernández defeated Turkey 233-230 in the bronze medal match. This trio had previously enjoyed success together in 2023, when they won five medals at a prior World Cup stage, underscoring their continued cohesion and experience at the highest level.
Later the same day, Mexico’s men’s compound team added a second bronze. Sebastián García, Juan Carlos, and Máximo Méndez edged past Denmark 233-226 to secure the podium finish. Their victory demonstrated consistent execution under pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the match where small margins determined the outcome.
The final medal came on April 12, when recurve archer Matías Grande competed for an individual bronze. Despite entering the match as the world’s third-ranked recurve archer, Grande fell short against Turkish Olympic champion Mate Gazoz, losing 7-3 in sets. Grande had advanced to the bronze medal match after a hard-fought semifinal loss to American Brady Ellison, who went on to win gold in the event.
Reflecting on his performance, Grande acknowledged the challenge posed by Gazoz while expressing pride in his effort. “I came prepared, the truth is I really wanted to grab the gold, I faced the best of the best and that was key,” he said. “There’s still time for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and I’m sure I’ll get my revenge. I want to thank the support of the people, it helped me a lot.” His comments highlighted both the competitive rigor of the event and the long-term vision driving Mexico’s archery program.
The three bronze medals collectively affirmed Mexico’s status among the world’s elite archery nations. While the team did not capture gold or silver in Puebla, the consistency across team and individual events signaled progress. The results also provided valuable experience for younger athletes and reinforced the depth available to national coaches as they prepare for upcoming continental and global qualifiers.
Looking ahead, the Archery World Cup circuit continues with subsequent stages scheduled for later in 2026. Mexico’s next opportunity to medal will come at the following World Cup stop, though exact dates and venues remain subject to confirmation by World Archery. For now, the focus shifts to analyzing performance data from Puebla and refining training regimens in preparation for the next phase of competition.
For continued updates on Mexico’s archery team and their journey toward Los Angeles 2028, follow official channels from the Mexican Archery Federation and World Archery. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the team’s performance in Puebla and what they hope to see in future international competitions.
