It seems no warm-up was needed for Brady Ellison, who shot brilliantly on Friday at the Rio Indoor 250 to begin his Indoor World Series defence.
It has been 278 days since the American great claimed his fourth World Series Final in March, and he returned as if he never left, posting an astonishing 597 in the 60-arrow qualification round on archery’s premier international indoor circuit.
The score was just two points shy of Ellison’s world record and marks the highest 18-metre qualification score so far in the 2025 Series, following the Swiss Open, GT Open and Taipei Open.
“Today’s just going to be getting the body loose after flying yesterday, and then tomorrow it’s the eliminations – that’s where it really matters,” Ellison said before the round.
“I’ve been down to Brazil several times now for the Pan Ams and the Olympics. It’s nice to come back to the city. Right now it’s about -20 degrees at my house and snowing, so being able to wear shorts and t-shirts again is pretty nice.”
Rio is the only World Series stop in the southern hemisphere, where December brings sunshine and beach weather rather than cold winter conditions. While the archers compete in the air-conditioned Parque Olímpico, the environment is still unusual for many, including Ellison.
The Montana archer, however, brought his ice-cool composure to the heat of Copacabana, landing 57 of 60 arrows in the tiny 10-ring.
