ULSAN, Korea - Reo Wilde (Pocatello, Idaho) defeated Great Britain's Liam Grimwood 118-116 to win the 2009 World Archery Championship gold medal in the men's individual compound division. Both archers were tied with 29 points after the first end of the championship final. In the second of four ends, Wilde took a one-point lead, 59-58. After three ends, Wilde increased his lead to 88-86. In the final end and on the last arrow, Wilde shot a 10 to clinch his second World Archery Championship title.
Throughout the elimination rounds, Wilde knocked out Wesley Gates of South Africa, 116-112 in the round of 32, and Vladimir Fedosov of Russia, 118-116 in the quarterfinals. He also eliminated Switzerland's Patrizio Hofer 116-112 and Raju Chinna Srither of India 116-113.
In the semi-final round on Wednesday, Wilde defeated Stephen Clifton of New Zealand, 119-112 to advance to the gold-medal match against Grimwood.
The two other Americans in the men's compound division, Braden Gellenthien (Woodbridge, Va.) finished in 28th and Dave Cousins (Standish, Maine) placed 33rd out of 118 archers.
In the men's team compound event, Team USA claimed the World Championship team title with a 232-223 victory over Russia. En route to the gold medal, Team USA defeated South Africa, 235-225; Great Britain 236-230; and Finland 236-223. The men's team was comprised of Wilde, Gellenthien and Cousins.
During the women's compound competition the USA archers saw both ends of the spectrum. The top American women's individual compound archer was Erika Anschutz (Hamilton, Ohio) who finished 9th, and established a personal best in international competition. Diane Watson (Hudson, Fla.) and Kendal Nicely (Gorham, Maine), both competing in their first World Championships, finished 25th and 33rd, respectively.
The trio of American women returned in the team competition to win the bronze medal by defeating Mexico 223-208. Team USA defeated Belgium 221-220 and the Netherlands 222-215 in the team competition. In the semi-finals of the team competition, Team USA lost 229-219 to Russia.
Team USA was led by USA Archery National and Head Coach KiSik Lee (San Diego); assistant coaches Linda Beck (Maple Lake, Minn.), Sheri Rhodes (Sacramento, Calif.), and Robert Romero (Rio Rancho, N.M.). Team captains were Robby Beyer (San Diego) and Mel Nichols (Glendale, Ariz.).
For complete results of the 2009 World Archery Championships click here.
< Back to All News
