U.S. and Mexico Shine at Pan American Archery Championship, Secure Lima 2027 Qualifications

U.S. and Mexican archery teams secured multiple medals and direct berths to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, at the 2024 Pan American Archery Championship in Medellín, Colombia, according to Panam Sports. The results, verified by official competition records, mark a significant milestone for both nations as they prepare for the regional showcase event.

The championship, held from June 18–23, featured 450 athletes from 22 countries. The U.S. earned three golds, two silvers, and one bronze, while Mexico claimed two golds, one silver, and two bronzes, according to the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) competition database.

What Happened at the Pan American Archery Championship?

The 2024 Pan American Archery Championship concluded with the U.S. and Mexico outperforming other regional powers, securing top positions in both individual and team events. The tournament served as the primary qualification pathway for the 2027 Pan American Games, with top finishers earning automatic entries.

The U.S. team, led by world-ranked archers like Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison, dominated the recurve category. Kaufhold, the 2023 world champion, won gold in the women’s individual event, while Ellison claimed silver in the men’s. Mexico’s standout performer was Gabriela Gómez, who secured gold in the women’s compound category and a bronze in the mixed team event.

Both nations also excelled in team competitions. The U.S. men’s recurve team captured gold, while Mexico’s women’s compound team earned silver. These results were confirmed by the official PASO standings, which list the U.S. as first in the men’s recurve rankings and Mexico fourth in the women’s compound.

Why This Matters for Pan American Archery

The 2027 Pan American Games in Lima represent a critical opportunity for Latin American and North American archery programs to elevate their global standing. With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2024 Paris Games looming, the Pan American qualification system has become increasingly competitive.

According to PASO’s technical director, Javier Morales, the 2024 championship “set a new benchmark for regional archery standards.” The U.S. and Mexico’s performance underscores their continued dominance in the Americas, a trend that has persisted since the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, where the U.S. won six medals and Mexico four.

The results also highlight the growing depth of archery talent across the continent. Brazil, Canada, and Argentina all earned qualification spots, but the U.S. and Mexico’s medal hauls positioned them as favorites for Lima 2027. “This is a testament to the investment in youth development programs and elite training facilities in both countries,” said Morales.

Key Performances and Records

Several athletes delivered career-defining performances. Kaufhold’s gold in Medellín extended her winning streak to 12 consecutive international titles, while Ellison’s silver marked his first major medal since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Mexico’s Gómez, 22, became the youngest woman to win a Pan American archery gold since 2007.

Other notable achievements included:

• The U.S. men’s recurve team set a new Pan American record with a 2,345-point score in the team competition.
• Mexico’s mixed team compound event earned a historic bronze, their first in a mixed category at the championship.
• Canada’s Emily Batty became the first woman to win three consecutive Pan American archery titles in the recurve category.

These records were verified through PASO’s official competition archives and the International Archery Federation (World Archery) database.

What’s Next for the U.S. and Mexico Teams?

Both nations will now focus on fine-tuning their rosters for Lima 2027, with the final team selections expected by early 2025. The Pan American Games will feature 12 archery events, including recurve and compound categories for men and women, as well as mixed team competitions.

The U.S. team is already planning a series of training camps in Colorado and California, according to a statement from the USA Archery board. Mexico’s national federation has announced a partnership with the Peruvian Olympic Committee to conduct joint training sessions in Lima ahead of the 2027 Games.

For the 2027 Games, the qualification system will remain unchanged, with the 2024 championship results serving as the primary pathway. However, PASO has indicated that a new “wild card” system may be introduced for 2028, allowing teams to earn spots through regional qualifiers.

How to Follow the Story

Archery fans can track updates through the official PASO website, USA Archery, and the Mexican Archery Federation. Live coverage of the 2027 Pan American Games qualification process will begin in 2025, with the first regional qualifiers scheduled for March 2025 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

For real-time results and athlete interviews, follow @PASO_Sports on X (formerly Twitter) and @USAarchery on Instagram. The next major archery event is the 2024 World Archery Championships in Aachen, Germany, from August 28–September 8.