Italy’s Mijno and Travisani Smash World Record at Rome 2026 European Para Archery Championships
ROME — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Italy’s Paralympic champions Elisabetta Mijno and Stefano Travisani rewrote the record books on Tuesday, shattering the world record in the recurve mixed team event during qualification at the Rome 2026 European Para Archery Championships. Their dominant performance not only secured top seeding but too sent a clear message to rivals ahead of Thursday’s semifinals.
Record-Breaking Performance
Mijno and Travisani combined for a staggering 1,310 points over 144 arrows in the qualification round, eclipsing the previous world record of 1,297 set by China’s Zhao Lixue and Wu Chunyan at the 2025 World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju. The Italian duo’s margin of improvement—13 points—underscored their precision and consistency under pressure.
“This wasn’t just about hitting the target. it was about redefining what’s possible in para archery,” said a spokesperson for World Archery, the sport’s governing body. The record-breaking score also granted Italy a bye directly into the mixed team semifinals, a strategic advantage as the competition intensifies.
Individual Dominance Sets the Tone
The mixed team success was built on individual brilliance. Mijno, a five-time European champion, led the recurve women’s qualification with a score of 653—23 points ahead of Slovenia’s Ziva Lavrinc. Her performance was 12 points better than her gold-medal-winning round at the 2025 World Championships, reinforcing her status as the athlete to beat in Rome.
Travisani, the reigning world champion, mirrored her dominance in the men’s recurve division, posting a 657 to edge out AIN’s Khutakov by eight points. Their combined 1,268 points in the team qualification round also earned Italy a direct berth into the quarterfinals, bypassing the preliminary rounds entirely.
Beyond the Italians: Other Standout Performances
While Mijno and Travisani stole the spotlight, other archers delivered memorable performances:
- Czech Republic’s Sarka Pultar Musilova reinforced her dominance in the women’s W1 category, posting a 652—37 points ahead of Great Britain’s Victoria Kingstone. Musilova, who set an indoor world record last month, is chasing the only major title missing from her collection: Paralympic gold.
- Great Britain’s Nathan MacQueen set a new national record in the men’s compound division with a 705, while Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi and AIN’s Anastasia Dzhioeva tied at 676, with Girdi claiming the top seed via X-count tiebreaker.
- Russia’s Aleksei Leonov (competing under the AIN banner) led the men’s W1 field with a 677, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition.
What’s Next: The Road to Medals
The championships continue Wednesday with individual eliminations across all divisions. Key storylines to watch:
- Mijno’s Quest for a Fifth Title: The Italian veteran is eyeing her fifth European crown, but Slovenia’s Lavrinc and Italy’s own Vincenza Petrilli (fifth in qualification) loom as threats.
- Travisani vs. Khutakov: The top two seeds in the men’s recurve will likely meet in the semifinals, setting up a rematch of the 2025 World Championships final.
- Team Italy’s Depth: With Davide Bettoni (10th in men’s recurve) and Giuseppe Verzini (15th) also advancing, Italy’s bench strength could prove decisive in team events.
Why This Record Matters
The 1,310-point mark isn’t just a number—it’s a statement. Mijno and Travisani’s record comes on the heels of their gold-medal performances at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where they became the first Italian duo to win the recurve mixed team event. Their success in Rome serves as both a defense of their Paralympic title and a springboard for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Records like this don’t happen by accident,” said a World Archery official. “It’s the result of years of refinement in technique, equipment, and mental preparation. Mijno and Travisani have set a new benchmark for the sport.”
How to Follow the Action
Fans can track the championships via the following official channels:
- Live Results: World Archery Event Page
- Schedule: Individual eliminations begin Wednesday at 2:00 PM local time (12:00 PM UTC). The recurve mixed team semifinals are slated for Thursday afternoon.
- Broadcast: Check local listings for coverage on European sports networks, including RAI Sport in Italy and Eurosport.
Key Takeaways
- World Record Broken: Mijno and Travisani set a new recurve mixed team world record with 1,310 points, surpassing the previous mark by 13.
- Top Seeds Secured: Italy’s duo earned a bye into the semifinals, while Mijno and Travisani also led their respective individual qualification rounds.
- Paralympic Hangover?: The record comes less than two years after their gold at Paris 2024, proving their form remains elite.
- W1 Dominance: Sarka Pultar Musilova’s 37-point lead in the women’s W1 division highlights her unmatched consistency.
- Next Up: Individual eliminations begin Wednesday, with team events following on Thursday.
FAQ
What is the recurve mixed team event in para archery?
The recurve mixed team event pairs one male and one female archer, each shooting recurve bows. Teams alternate shots over 16 ends (144 arrows total), with the highest combined score advancing. It’s one of the most strategic events in para archery, requiring synchronization and adaptability.
How does the qualification round work?
Archers shoot 72 arrows (6 ends of 12 arrows each) at a distance of 70 meters. The top seeds earn byes into later rounds, while lower-ranked archers face off in early eliminations. In mixed team events, the combined scores of the top male and female archers from each country determine seeding.
Who are Elisabetta Mijno and Stefano Travisani?
Elisabetta Mijno is a five-time European champion and two-time Paralympic gold medalist (London 2012, Paris 2024). She competes in the recurve women’s open category. Stefano Travisani, the 2025 world champion, won gold in the recurve men’s open at Paris 2024. Both are members of Italy’s national para archery team and train under the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP).
What’s the significance of the W1 category?
The W1 category is for archers with the most severe impairments, often affecting all four limbs. Athletes shoot from a wheelchair and may use specialized bows. Sarka Pultar Musilova’s dominance in this division reflects her status as one of the sport’s most technically gifted archers.
What’s Next?
The Rome 2026 European Para Archery Championships continue Wednesday with individual eliminations. The recurve mixed team semifinals are scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with Mijno and Travisani poised to defend their top seeding. For real-time updates, follow World Archery on social media or visit the official event page.
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