For Spanish national champion Carmen Cortes, archery has become a physical anchor following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Archery as Recovery at Club Malaka
Health authorities in Spain estimated 37,682 new cases of breast cancer during 2025. In the face of those statistics, Cortes found a central focus in archery, using the discipline to share experiences with others affected by the disease and to compete at the national level.
The organization provides technical coaching and equipment at no cost to participants. The AS2 competition category includes athletes without lymphedema, and Cortes has experienced firsthand how the physical mechanics of drawing a bow can assist with lymphatic drainage and reduce arm swelling following lymph node removal.
Focusing on the Yellow Center Provides Mental Relief
Beyond the physical mechanics, Cortes points to the intense focus required during each release. Aiming at the yellow center of the target demands complete technical concentration, which she notes provides a mental break from other thoughts and worries during practice.
Her archery equipment carries a distinctive sticker featuring two eyes, placed there by the friend and fellow athlete who introduced her to the sport and helped found the Flecha Rosa project before dying from metastatic cancer. Alongside her success in archery, Cortes also won a silver medal as a runner-up in rowing, competing alongside that same companion.
Building the Flecha Rosa Malagueña Association
The Club Malaka initiative eventually led to the creation of the Flecha Rosa Malagueña association. Now, Cortes has called for increased financial support to help more athletes participate in regional and national tournaments. While the Málaga club covers coaching and equipment fees, travel, lodging, and tournament registration costs prevent some participants from attending national events.
Sharing Lessons Through Literature
Her experiences through illness and recovery form the subject of her book, titled La libertad de ser yo misma: la transformación que me enseñó a vivir más allá del cáncer.
For others facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Cortes advocates accepting the situation and seeking out supportive resources. She recommends strength training and mentally engaging activities such as archery to stay active throughout the year.
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