Archery competition: sun, scores and stamina

Thabazimbi – Under the scorching sun amidst the Thabazimbi mountains, the Limpopo Field Archery competition unfolded over the weekend of 17-18 February 2024. Held in extreme temperatures reaching 44°C on Saturday, archers were well-prepared with sunhats, sunscreen, and frequent shade-seeking after every four arrows. 

Despite the blazing heat, the two-day event concluded without any heat exhaustion incidents, thanks to diligent hydration and shade utilisation. The challenging course proved to be a formidable test for competitors, many of whom are vying for national representation in 2024. Among the participants were archers set to compete in the World Field Archery Championships in Brazil come August 2024, using this event as a foundational step in their training journey, which is expected to intensify in the months leading up to the world championship.

Despite the intense heat, archers achieved personal bests on the short, yet demanding, Thabazimbi range.

Local Thabazimbi archers demonstrated their competitive edge, dominating the podium. Mardus Ras, a junior competitor, notched a personal best of 514/560 in the Bowhunter Unlimited field round, securing 2nd place. HJ Swanepoel claimed 2nd place in the Adult Male Freestyle Unlimited category, trailing behind Axel Zuur from Archers Edge, who clinched the top spot.

Veteran archers maintained their composure in the sweltering conditions. Chris Welgemoed captured 1st place, followed by Gary Bauer and Jaco van Vuuren in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively, in the Veterans Male Freestyle Unlimited division.

Gert Snyman excelled in the Veteran Male Freestyle Compound (VMFS-C) category, showcasing his skill by using fingers on the string (without a release aid) to launch his arrows, earning him the first-place position.

Thabazimbi invites all budding archers to join them on Tuesday evenings at 17:45 at the Koos Crone Shooting Range in Spitskop. We welcome visitors and enthusiasts of all levels, whether you favour compound bows or traditional bows (please note, crossbows are not permitted). For more details or inquiries, please contact Chris Welgemoed at Thaba Boog en Hengel at 014 777 2084. 

Photo: HJ Swanepoel exemplifies the archer’s mantra — ready, draw, full draw, aim, and release — through 28 rigorous butts at the Limpopo South Field Archery Championship in Thabazimbi on 17 and 18 February. Demonstrating unwavering focus and skill, HJ secured the silver medal, a testament to his dedication and prowess in the field.