Nelson Salinas, a recent silver medalist at the 2026 South American Games, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Argentina national archery team, according to an interview with Elonce. The announcement marks a major transition for the 50-meter specialist, who steps away from high-performance competition to lead the national program ahead of the upcoming international cycle.
Silver Medal in Rosario Capped an Unlikely Career
Salinas earned his spot at the helm of the national squad shortly after securing a team silver medal at the South American Games, held at the Rosario racetrack. In the gold-medal match, the Argentine team faced Colombia, an established international powerhouse backed by significant government funding. Salinas noted that the silver medal represented the culmination of rigorous preparation, including training sessions lasting four to five hours daily during the final two weeks before the event. He competed in the 50-meter discipline using 80-centimeter targets, maintaining his position near the top of the national rankings despite financial challenges throughout the year.
Late Start Led to National Prominence
The new national coach entered the sport at age 36 while dealing with personal and economic difficulties. What began as a recreational outlet quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit that carried him to international tournaments and second place in the national rankings. Salinas acknowledged that leaving active competition to accept the coaching post required careful deliberation. He admitted that stepping away from the adrenaline and sensory experience of tournament shooting was difficult, but emphasized his readiness to share his accumulated experience with younger generations.
Cadet Development and the Road to Lima 2027
As head coach, Salinas will oversee both the senior squad and the cadet and juvenile categories, focusing on talent identification and athlete development. His immediate schedule includes traveling to Villa María, Córdoba, for a Youth Cup competition. The team will then look toward the national finals in December in Neuquén, an event that will help shape the roster for the following season. The primary long-term objective for the Argentine squad under Salinas will be securing quota spots for Lima during the Panamerican Championship scheduled for March 2027 in El Salvador. Salinas will work alongside the Tiro con Arco Paraná club in his ongoing efforts to train and mentor developing archers.
