In a groundbreaking announcement that marks a historic leap for the sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that compound archery will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This long-anticipated inclusion will see compound archers compete for an Olympic medal for the first time, a moment celebrated across the global archery community.

First Compound Archery Medal to Be Awarded in the Mixed Team Event at the 2028 Olympics

The debut of compound archery at LA28 will come in the form of a mixed team event, which joins the existing five recurve archery disciplines already part of the Olympic program. These include men’s and women’s individual, men’s and women’s team, and the recurve mixed team competitions. The inclusion of the compound mixed team format brings the total number of archery medals at LA28 to six.

A Historic Expansion: First New Bowstyle in Olympic Archery Since 1972

The introduction of compound archery represents the first time a new bowstyle has been added to the Olympic program since the sport was reintroduced in 1972. For over five decades, recurve has been the only format recognized at the Olympic level, making this decision a major evolution in how archery is represented on the world’s most prestigious sporting stage.

World Archery President Celebrates Milestone Moment for the Sport’s Global Growth

World Archery President Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener, a long-time advocate for compound’s inclusion, expressed his deep appreciation to the IOC and the LA28 Organising Committee for supporting the initiative. Erdener, recently honored with the Olympic Order, emphasized that the inclusion of compound reflects the sport’s growing global footprint and the success of recent Games.

Olympic Recognition Fulfills a Longstanding Dream for Compound Archers Worldwide

With this milestone, the decades-long dream of millions of compound archers is finally becoming reality. Prof. Erdener praised the dedication of athletes, coaches, and national federations who have worked tirelessly to elevate compound archery. He expressed enthusiasm for what the first generation of Olympic compound archers will achieve in Los Angeles.

From World Championships to the World Stage: Compound Archery’s Path to the Olympics

Compound archery, a distinctly modern bowstyle developed in the United States, features a pulley system that delivers high precision and power. It made its first appearance at the World Archery Championships in 1995 and has since gained prominence across major multisport events, including the World Games and regional competitions in Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and the Americas.

A Step Toward Full Equality: Archery Maintains Balanced Gender Representation for LA28

The addition of the compound mixed team format reinforces the sport’s commitment to gender equality. The event ensures that archery retains an equal number of male and female athletes at the Olympic Games, preserving the balanced structure that has become a hallmark of modern Olympic competition.

World Archery Leadership Applauds Global Federations and Athletes for Advocating Inclusion

Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Archery, credited the relentless work of continental federations and elite athletes for championing the cause of compound archery. He highlighted how compound and recurve have shared equal footing in the Archery World Cup since 2006, in terms of visibility, participation, and prize money – setting the foundation for Olympic inclusion.

A Fitting Legacy for Outgoing World Archery President Who Expanded Olympic Archery

The addition of compound archery to the Olympic program adds a second medal under Prof. Erdener’s tenure – a powerful legacy as he prepares to step down later this year. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that both bowstyles are respected and showcased equally on the global stage.

Further Information on LA28 Compound Archery Format and Qualification Yet to Be Released

While the inclusion of compound archery has been confirmed, details about the competition format, athlete quota, and qualification pathway are expected to be revealed in the coming months. The anticipation is high, with the global archery community eagerly awaiting the official rollout of the full LA28 competition schedule.