Mexican archers Miguel Cagnasso and David Lozano are preparing to compete at the upcoming 3D World Archery Championship, shifting their competitive focus from compound bows to traditional and primitive equipment categories on the international stage.
Trading High-Tech Setups for Bare Equipment
Both athletes bring extensive experience in compound archery, having previously secured wins in tournaments and championships together.
After reaching a point where they felt they had mastered compound setups, Cagnasso and Lozano decided to pursue a higher competitive challenge by transitioning to traditional divisions that eliminate sights, technology, and external references. Cagnasso competes in the Longbow category using an all-wooden bow and wooden arrows, while Lozano participates in the traditional division using a recurve bow with carbon arrows.
Woodland Courses and Unknown Distances
Unlike standard target archery, 3D archery utilizes three-dimensional animal silhouettes placed at unknown distances along outdoor woodland courses, mirroring the layout of a golf course.
Competitors must estimate the distance to each target, evaluate the terrain, and execute precise shots. Scoring zones on each silhouette range from five, eight, 10, to 11 points, with the vital area holding the highest value. Archers shoot two arrows per target, receiving zero points for a miss, which places a heavy emphasis on distance calculation and technical precision.
The Mental Blueprint of Traditional Archery
Beyond the technical demands of the sport, both archers view the discipline as an essential mental exercise.
Cagnasso describes the practice as a form of mental therapy that helps him disconnect from daily life, channeling his attention toward postural perfection and clean releases. Lozano notes that standing before a target requires complete concentration, pushing aside external distractions and treating oneself as the primary competitor in a constant effort to improve execution with every shot.
Worth a look
