Rome, Italy – April 28, 2026 – The opening day of the European Para Archery Championships in Rome witnessed a stunning display of skill as Italian archers Elisabetta Mijno and Stefano Travisani broke the world record in the recurve mixed team event. The pair’s performance immediately establishes them as strong contenders heading into the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Mijno and Travisani achieved a score of 1310 points over 144 arrows, surpassing the previous world record of 1297, which was held by the Chinese duo Zhao and Wu at last year’s World Championships in South Korea, according to the Comitato Paralimpico Italiano.
Italian Duo Dominates, British Pair Sets European Mark
The record-breaking performance wasn’t the only highlight of the day. Great Britain’s Jamie Harris and Nathan Macqueen also set a new European record in the compound men’s event, scoring 1387 points over 144 arrows. This achievement bested the previous European record of 1368, set by the Slovakian duo Marecak and Pavlik at the 2022 European Championships, also held in Rome.
Travisani Leads in Individual Recurve Competition
Beyond the mixed team event, individual performances also shone. World champion Stefano Travisani topped the recurve rankings with a score of 657, a commanding eight points ahead of his nearest competitor, Khutakov (AIN). Travisani’s strong showing secures his direct qualification to the round of 16. Davide Bettoni (611) and Giuseppe Verzini (592) will begin their campaigns in the round of 32, facing Polish archer Bys and French archer Vaudier, respectively.
The women’s recurve competition also saw Italian success. Elisabetta Mijno led the field with a score of 653, surpassing her teammates Vincenza Petrilli (575) and Veronica Floreno (528). Mijno’s performance earned her a direct pass to the round of 16, while Petrilli and Floreno will face each other in an all-Italian derby in the same round.
Team Success for Italy
Travisani and Bettoni further solidified Italy’s strong start by securing first place in the team recurve rankings with a score of 1268, granting them direct entry into the quarterfinals. This early success signals a promising championship for the Italian team on home soil.
The European Para Archery Championships represent a crucial opportunity for athletes to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The competition in Rome is drawing top para-archers from across the continent, creating a high-stakes environment for athletes vying for European titles and Paralympic qualification.
The Nando Martellini Stadium, located near the iconic Colosseum, provides a striking backdrop for the championships. The venue’s historical significance adds to the atmosphere of the event, drawing attention to the skill and determination of these remarkable athletes.
What’s Next?
The European Para Archery Championships continue in Rome through May 3rd, with elimination rounds scheduled to begin shortly. Fans can follow the event’s progress and results through the official website of the Comitato Paralimpico Italiano and World Archery.
The championships are not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a celebration of inclusivity and the power of sport to overcome challenges. The performances in Rome will undoubtedly inspire athletes and fans alike as they look ahead to the Paralympic Games in Paris.
