July 22, 2009
The juniors and cadets competing at the Youth World Championships have concluded a 'fast and furious' week. From Official Practice on Sunday, July 12th through the individual medal finals this past Sunday, July 19th, USA Archery has been on the move from just after dawn 'til dusk. On the way we've amassed personal bests, made new friends from faraway lands, and medals - lots of medals.
On Saturday, July 18th the cadet's team rounds began and the Compound Cadet Women's Team led the way! During the � rounds of competition the team of Paige Pearce, Kayla Harmeyer, and Kailey Johnston set a New World Record of 230. Continuing their winning ways the CCW Team secured the Gold Medal defeating Mexico in a close match 224 to 221. During the Compound Cadet Men's match, the US Team of Alexander Sahi, Hunter Heavner, and Riley Whiting brought home the Bronze Medal versus India, winning the match 229 to 207.
The junior teams followed the medal winning ways by securing the Gold Medals in their matches. The junior compound women archers followed the lead of the cadets, earning a Gold Medal and setting a New World Record! In the Gold Medal Match the team of Samantha Pruitte, Kendal Nicely, and Sarah Lance defeated Russia 226 to 214. Not to be outdone the Junior Compound Men's Team of Ben Cleland, Cody Thompson, and Levi Cyr faced Mexico in the Gold Medal Match. The team earned the Gold Medal by defeating the team from Mexico 229 to 222.
Sunday brought a high cloud cover that produced a welcome relief from the intensity of the sun.
In the Compound Cadet Women's division Paige Pearce started out the day winning a Gold Medal vs. Stephanie Salinas (MEX) 118 to 111. Narrowly missing the World Record by one point and coming down to the last arrow, Pearce tied the World Record of 118.
In the Compound Cadet Men's division suspense and excitement was the name of the match. Alex Sahi battled back and forth with Jamie Van Barbieri (AUS) finishing the 12-arrow match tied. A one arrow shoot-off is all Sahi needed to secure the Gold Medal hitting a 10 to Van Barbieri's 9. The USA was also represented in the Bronze Medal Match with Logan, UT native Riley Whiting being defeated by Mario Cardoso (MEX) 115 to 111.
In the Junior Compound Women's division the USA women were represented by Kendal Nicely. Nicely squared-off against Svetlana Cherkashneva (RUS), the Russian defeated Nicely in a close match 115 to 113. Nicely is also a team member of the Senior Women's Compound Team representing the USA Team in Korea during September.
On the Junior Compound Men's division the USA men were represented in both medal matches. In a suspense filled Bronze Medal Match, Ben Cleland faced Francisco Valverde (ESP) defeating the Spaniard 117 to 116.
Finishing the USA's medal matches, Junior Compound Male Cody Thompson faced Jean Pizarro (PUR) in the Gold Medal Match. Taking control of the match during the 3rd end, Thompson was able to secure the Gold Medal, shooting a 115 to Pizzaro's 113.
Team USA amassed 8 medals throughout the team and individual medal matches. The eight medals, all secured in the compound division, were enough for the USA to finish in 2nd place behind Korea, who won 10 medals. The team from Mexico finished third in the total medal count.
USA Archery would like to congratulate all archers who competed in the Youth World Championships. With all the young archers who competed in Ogden and competing throughout the country the future is bright for USA Archery!
We would like to thank our sponsors, including Easton Foundation for lending financial support helping to cover travel and registration costs, United Airlines for flying our team into the competition, Nike for the apparel and Easton and Hoyt for their support in providing our U.S. Archery teams with equipment. Thank you.
See FITA's website for complete results and photos.
Click here to see a Youtube video with some of the U.S. athletes.
< Back to All News
