In Türkiye, Schloesser still managed to reach the quarterfinals, a finish many archers would dream of on archery’s premier international circuit, but was visibly disappointed.
And the fourth and final stage in Madrid was where the cheerful – and rarely tearful – 31 year old really let his emotions out.
“[It’s] my first time being a dad, winning a World Cup from a lack of practise, and a lack of sleep in general,” said Schloesser when asked why he shouted and fist pumped the air after defeating Emircan Haney. “My qualification was really horrible but during the week I felt increasingly comfortable, and my scores went up and up.”
“I had a little bit of disbelief (before Madrid) but I know that I have the capacity. I just didn’t have my practise hours, and I think that one mentally was very tough for me in the beginning… But the second half (of week) was amazing, and I kept building from there on.”
The Lac La Biche 2024 World Field Champion also credited support from other archers during the week in Madrid, reminding him of his greatness rather than his missing preparation.
There are plenty of ‘good guys’ in archery and Schloesser is one of them, warranting that arm around the shoulder from fellow competitors.
Luna may have watched her father win his ninth World Cup stage on the television, but she’ll be right there to see him in the flesh at the Chengdu 2025 World Games.
Chengdu is the first archery event where all three Schloessers are travelling together, with Gaby participating in the recurve women field event in China.
