ZUKO QUSHEKA
UP-Tuks archer Patrick Roux formed part of the successful South African team that won the bronze medal in the compound mixed team category at the World Archery Championships held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 26 July to 2 August. The World Archery Championships, which take place every two years, brings together some of the best archers in the world to duke it out for the top spot. It was made more interesting as this is part of the build-up to the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, with archers looking to gain ground psychologically on their opponents. The championships were also the first qualification option for archers for the Olympics.
The two South African archers, Roux and partner Sera Cornelius, faced stiff competition against a good Russian team who were fierce as they looked to clinch the third place medal. However, the South African team was prepared for the tussle as they went into the match with their eyes fixed on their eighth medal over the past two years in six international events.
With the weather being unpredictable and persistent, it looked like it would be a long day with the bow in hand for Roux, who also holds the South African record in the double indoor game, as he initially struggled with the strong wind. He and Cornelius stuck it out and pushed for the win, beating their opponents and jumping five points ahead to sneak in a win. The finals were held in front of the Danish Parliament at the sold out Christiansborg Palace.
In a tournament where South Africa did not fare too well, ranking fifth in both the Men’s Team Compound and the Women’s Team Compound, the combination of Roux and Cornelius was a formidable force. As the archery season continues, they will face stiff competition from the Korean team, who are the ones to beat in the mixed category after convincingly beating the French team to place first in the category.
