BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - In fine form, Trenton Cowles (Tarzana, California)was unstoppable in individual match-play at the Youth Olympic Games. Cowles made a stellar performance winning bronze in the mixed team event on the big stage before returning on his own, looking even stronger and more confident. Climbing from a 15th place qualification seed through some of the best matches of the year, Cowles outscored everyone for a well-deserved spot on top of the podium. Through all his matches, Cowles never scored lower than a 28 and never lost a single set on his way to the Youth Olympic Champion title.
In his first match on Monday, Cowles drilled the center of the target, easily breezing through a 6-0 win. Starting out today in the 1/8th round against the No. 2 seed, Tang of Chinese Taipei, who won team gold as a senior at this year's Asian Games and was a strong favorite for the event, Cowles drilled only 29s for four straight sets taking a solid 7-1 win.
In the quarterfinals, Cowles took on Iran's Shibani and posted another two consecutive 29s. Absolutely on fire, Cowles closed it out with other 6-0 shut out and guaranteed a shot at a medal.
Ukraine's Artem scored high throughout the morning too, until facing Cowles. When the pressure turned out, Cowles' nerves of steel held him steady and with another three beautiful sets, Cowles took a third 6-0 win to sail into the gold final.
Hungry for the win, Cowles and India's 5th seed Akash faced off for the Youth Olympic Champion title. Cowles did not waiver. Wind picked up and he just continued to nail the yellow, taking the clean victory 6-0.
Cowles got started in archery in elementary school - inspired by his success with Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort virtual archery game. A self-starter, Cowles built himself a bow and started practicing in his yard.
Supported by his family, he has worked hard towards his Olympic dreams. A staple on the United States Archery Team, Cowles also won junior men's team bronze at the 2018 World Archery Indoor Championships, individual silver and team and mixed team gold as a junior at the Pan American Games earlier this year. "This is a step toward my ultimate goal of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2024 Paris Olympics and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," Cowles told Sports Engine.
Complete results from the competition are available at www.worldarchery.org.
Photo: World Archery
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