Marie Horackova produced a commanding display in qualification to secure the top seed in the women’s recurve category at the European Outdoor Championships in Türkiye. The 2023 world champion scored 672 points, finishing six clear of Spain’s Elia Canales in second place.
The performance marked another strong moment in Horackova’s resurgence after a difficult period that included inconsistent results and injury struggles following her historic world title triumph in Berlin three years ago.
Her composed shooting and consistency across all distances made her one of the standout performers on the opening day of competition in Antalya.
European archery’s elite gather in Türkiye
The 2026 European Outdoor Championships have brought together many of the continent’s top archers, with Olympic medallists, world champions and rising talents competing in one of the biggest events on the international calendar.
Antalya once again serves as a major hub for world archery, having hosted multiple World Cup and continental events over recent years.
The competition is expected to play a key role in shaping momentum ahead of future international events, including the road toward Los Angeles 2028.
Spain’s Canales remains close behind
Spain’s Elia Canales emerged as Horackova’s closest challenger after finishing second in qualification. The 24-year-old has been regarded as one of Europe’s rising recurve stars and entered the championship with strong expectations following consistent recent performances.
Canales has steadily built her reputation on the international circuit and is considered a strong medal contender in Antalya.
The narrow gap between the top contenders has set up what could become a highly competitive elimination phase later in the week.
Horackova chasing another major title
Horackova made history in 2023 by becoming the first Czech archer ever to win a World Archery Championship gold medal in recurve. Since then, expectations around her career have grown significantly.
Although recent seasons brought challenges, her qualification performance in Antalya suggested she may be rediscovering the form that once made her world champion.
The Czech archer now heads into the knockout rounds carrying momentum and renewed confidence as she targets another major international title.
New generation adding excitement to championships
Alongside established names like Horackova, the European Outdoor Championships are also showcasing several emerging young talents from across the continent.
Archers such as Türkiye’s Berkay Akkoyun and the Netherlands’ teenage compound sensation Fenna Stallen have already attracted attention during the event.
The mix of experienced champions and fearless newcomers has added extra intrigue to this year’s championship in Antalya.
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