Mexican archer Luis “Abuelo” Álvarez is preparing to make his debut at the Field Archery World Championships, scheduled to run from September 22 to 27, 2026, in Yankton, South Dakota, with his sights set firmly on securing a quota place for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Road to Yankton and the Field Archery Format
The veteran competitor is putting the finishing touches on his training regime at the archery range in Mexicali’s Ciudad Deportiva, according to regional sports reporting. Unlike standard international target archery events seen at the Olympic Games, world championships, and Pan American Games, the Field format presents a unique test across natural terrain.
Competitors navigate changing environments and varying distances throughout the tournament. According to event previews, the opening day challenges athletes with unknown distances where targets are hidden at unmeasured yards, while the second day introduces marked distances.
Building Toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Cycle
For Álvarez, a two-time Olympian who competed at the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Games—where he claimed a bronze medal in the mixed team event—the upcoming world championship marks a critical step in regaining competitive momentum. Following a 2025 season complicated by academic and professional commitments, the Baja California athlete is prioritizing overall performance as he maps out a busy schedule of national and international training camps.
“Claro que sí, el objetivo es Los Ángeles 2028, nada sencillo, yo sé que mucha gente que a lo mejor me ve y dice que ondas, que traes, pero sí, el objetivo es Los Ángeles 2028,” Álvarez stated regarding his long-term goals, emphasizing that he aims to make his third career appearance at the Summer Games in neighboring California.
Proven Success in Alternative Archery Disciplines
While the World Field Championships differ from indoor and outdoor target events, Álvarez carries strong credentials into the United States National Archery Association’s national center in Yankton. He previously competed in regional three-dimensional tournaments featuring animal silhouettes that simulate hunting conditions, and secured two gold medals—winning both individual and team titles—at the 2023 Pan American Championship in Iguazú.
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