The sound is crisp, definitive. The arrow leaves the string, slicing through the air to land with a solid impact in the center of the target. In that fleeting moment lies a millennia-old story. Archery originated as an indispensable tool for hunting and warfare, and over time, has evolved into a discipline that balances the rigor of Olympic competition with the introspection of a recreational activity.
In Argentina, the sport has grown steadily since the mid-20th century, branching into two main streams. Sofía Braco, representing Prana Archery and a member of a pioneering family in the national archery scene, clearly defines these approaches: “Traditional archery is characterized by the use of bows without complex mechanical systems or electronic aids, prioritizing technique, sensitivity, and a direct connection between the archer and the shot. Competitive archery includes regulated modalities, such as Olympic archery, where competition takes place under strict rules regarding distances, scoring, and equipment.”
The organized development of archery in Argentina began to capture shape in the 1960s. It emerged from a modest group of enthusiasts who met in the northern zone of Buenos Aires, eventually leading to the formation of the Argentine Archery Association. Carlos Braco, a key figure in the local archery community, emerged during this period.
“One of the great pioneers was my father, who began making his own bows in 1964 without knowing that archery was already practiced formally in other countries,” recounts Sofía, continuing that historical legacy. Alongside Víctor Arango, Carlos Braco tirelessly worked on manufacturing laminated limbs with wood and fiberglass – a technical innovation that allowed the first core of Argentine archers to have competitive, domestically-made tools. In 1972, this effort culminated when Braco was part of the Argentine team that won the first South American Championship organized by Brazil, marking a foundational milestone for the sport in the country.
Sofía received her first bow as a gift in childhood, and growing up in a family connected to the sport, her first experience was natural. “My father competed in Olympic archery and won numerous medals. Over time, I started practicing myself, and for me, it’s a recreational activity that allows me to unwind, relax the mind, and share moments. It’s a space for concentration, but too for connection and enjoyment.”
Mastering the bow requires a sequence demanding absolute coordination. “The technique includes posture, detection of the dominant eye, taking the bow, facial and stability references, body alignment, aiming direction, breathing, and releasing the string,” explains José María Vildoza, representative of Punto Feliz Arquería, an instructor and facilitator of archery experiences, whose training began in 2000 as a high-performance coach with training linked to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He emphasizes that the basic technique is supported by a rhythmic and repeatable structure. “Each shot seeks to resemble the previous one, like a rhythmic sequence where the body learns to act with economy of effort.”
Braco complements this description by breaking down the sequence into critical steps: posture, grip, anchoring, opening, alignment, release, and follow-through. According to the specialist, the difference lies in the use of technology: while in instinctive modalities the archer relies on eye-hand coordination and repetition of the technical gesture, Olympic archery utilizes visual references and aiming systems to maximize mathematical precision.
Conceived as an extension of the shooter’s arms and vision, the basic equipment consists of the bow (which can be traditional, recurve, Olympic, or compound), arrows, an arm guard, and a tab or glove to protect the fingers when drawing the string. In high-performance sports, stabilizers and high-precision sights are added.
“In recreational settings, lightweight bows and adapted materials are used to facilitate learning and ensure safety. You can start from day one with super-modern or very basic bows; the important thing is the guided experience,” Vildoza continues, who currently manages schools and recreational proposals in the AMBA (Greater Buenos Aires).
Regarding its connection to spirituality, reference is inevitably made to Eugen Herrigel’s book Zen in the Art of Archery, where the Japanese kyudo is described as a practice where the conscious intention to “hit” disappears.
“When a person stops forcing the result and concentrates on the process – breathing, standing, tensing, releasing – the shot flows better, as the mind ‘stops.’ At that moment, the archer is not forcing to hit, but allowing the gesture to occur. Present in the doing, in the here and now. There appears something very valuable for everyday life: learning to be present, without haste or excessive control,” reflects Vildoza.
Braco agrees that this integration is also vital in high-stress competition: “Even in Olympic modality, the moment of the shot requires a state of deep concentration where conscious tension must disappear. When the archer forces the shot, the result is usually less precise. The optimal shot occurs when execution flows without excessive mental interference.”
Beyond competition, archery solidifies itself as a tool for well-being. Having no exclusive physical requirements, it becomes one of the most inclusive activities in the sports spectrum. “There are no exclusive physical requirements. Adults, adolescents, and children can practice it, always under supervision,” affirms Braco.
“Today, I understand the bow as a tool for well-being. Many people approach looking for something different and find a space for pause, attention, and bodily connection,” concludes Vildoza.
The enduring appeal of archery, from its origins as a survival skill to its modern form as a demanding sport and mindful practice, speaks to a fundamental human desire for focus, precision, and a connection to something ancient and profound. As Damián Jajarabilla prepares to represent Argentina at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – the first Argentine archer to do so in 36 years – he carries with him not only the hopes of a nation, but also the weight of that long and storied history. The archery community in Argentina continues to grow, offering opportunities for both competitive athletes and those seeking a path to greater mental and physical well-being.
Maintain an eye on Jajarabilla’s performance in Paris, with the archery competition scheduled to begin July 26th, 2024. For the latest updates and results, visit ESPN Argentina’s Olympic archery page.
