DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A 12-strong team is in Dubai for the 8th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament, which runs from March 2-7 and is the final opportunity for USA athletes to secure quota slots for the Paralympic Games.
To date, the USA has acquired five quota slots. They have the maximum two slots in both the recurve men open and compound men open, as well as one slot in the W1 women.
"The team is well aware of the magnitude of this event with Paris on the horizon," said Paralympic Head Coach Jonathan Clemins. "After months of training and preparation, this team is shooting at their best, and I think we're going to see that reflected in their performances. We're confident and excited to kick off competition here in Dubai.
"Our first full day in Dubai was focused solely on rest and recovery from travel fatigue and jet lag. It's not an easy trip and my goal was to ensure the athletes and staff were physically and mentally in the best position to take on the rest of the week.
"And then on Friday morning we had an open practice to ensure all equipment was ready and in working order."
Of the remaining slots available, the USA has archers pushing for places in the recurve women open, compound women open and W1 men. In Dubai, there is one quota slot available per division.
In total, there are 140 quota spots available for archery at the Paralympics, with spaces for 75 men and 65 women in a step towards greater gender parity at the Games. (Read the 2024 Paralympic Games Qualification System).
Each country can qualify a maximum of two quota slots in each of the following categories: Recurve Men Open, Recurve Women Open, Compound Men Open, Compound Women Open, W1 Men Open and W1 Women Open.
Temperatures will be hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the six days, with competition being held at a sports complex in Dubai. Only India (14) and Italy (18) has a larger team than the USA (12), with a total of 227 athletes from 55 nations making their push for places in Paris.
Clemins added, "The team had a great opportunity to shoot through some challenging winds on Friday morning during unofficial practice. We're expecting more of the same windy conditions throughout the week. We're just thrilled to be outside in the sunshine."
|
Eric BENNETT |
Recurve Men Open |
|
Allison BROWN |
Recurve Women Open |
|
Richard BURKETT |
Compound Men Open |
|
Candice CAESAR |
Recurve Women Open |
|
Wendy GARDNER |
Compound Women Open |
|
Michael LUKOW |
Recurve Men Open |
|
Kevin MATHER |
Recurve Men Open |
|
Kevin POLISH |
Compound Men Open |
|
Jeff SENA |
Compound Men Open |
|
Karen STERNFELD |
Recurve Women Open |
|
Jason TABANSKY |
W1 Men |
|
Teresa WALLACE |
Compound Women Open |
With the conclusion of this event on March 7, we will know the total quota slots available to the USA. The next step would then be for US athletes to compete for those slots during a series of trials qualification events.
The 2024 Paralympic Trials Qualification and Trials events will be comprised of three stages:
Stage #1 Paralympic Trials Qualification Event
April 4 (part of AZ Cup)
Phoenix, AZ
Stage #2 Paralympic Trials Qualification Event
May 11 (part of Gator Cup)
Newberry, FL
Stage #3 Paralympic Trials Qualification Event
May 13
Newberry, FL
