Baumert built her way up in international tournaments, competing in the traditional bow class at the Terni 2022 World Archery 3D Championships, before switching to barebow full time in 2023.
It would be a breakthrough year. She won the individual gold medal at the 2023 European Field Championships, defeating the reigning European queen of barebow, Cinzia Noziglia, in the final.
A week later, she took bronze at the corresponding 3D championships and, with David Jackson, won gold in the 3D mixed team final.
Baumert and Jackson – a couple in life as well as on the field – defended the title two years later in Mokrice.
“What a joy to be able to share my passion with the person who also shares my life. That’s something very strong for me. I need to feel people behind me, encouraging and supporting me, and David’s presence has helped me a lot.”
“We understand each other’s difficulties because we live them too. And that makes all the difference. We grow together.”
One of the unique aspects of barebow, even at the highest level, is the lack of focus on medals and podiums. While many archers are familiar with the phrase ‘focus on the process, rather than the result’, in senior barebow competition this aphorism is genuine and lived.
There is a deep acceptance that the best shooting will not always produce a podium place, and Baumert is no different.
“Sometimes you can be at your best and still not win a medal, simply because the opponent was stronger that day. And on the other hand, you can have difficulties shooting but still end up with a medal because your opponent struggled even more,” she said.
“For me, the most important thing is the shooting itself. The medal is only a consequence of what we produced (or not), not a end in itself.”
“I see the medal as a bonus, not as a reward in itself. My reward is: did I do archery the way I love?”
