It was Barankova’s first gold medal at her second World Games. “I cannot really like believe it right now, but the feeling is nice.” said the 23-year-old.
Twice a runner-up at the European Field Championships, and a multiple medallist indoors, this was the biggest win of the Slovakian’s career. “I was very excited about the medal. When we were coming to China I was like ‘I really want that medal’. I was just trying to stay focused and in the moment, which helped a lot.”
“I expected the course to be more difficult, maybe some more podiums which we were shooting from but it was pretty flat. But the humidity and warmth was the most challenging thing today.”
Rebagliati said: “I’m really happy because finally I got another medal in the World Games. I tried to defend my last title, but the first arrow was not so good. I want to give a lot of congratulations to Denisa for the gold, but I’m proud of myself for this medal.”
In the bronze medal match, di Francesco defeated the unlucky first seed Tartler for the last spot on the podium, 61-56 – the best score of the day.
di Francesco, like several fellow archers a part of Italy’s military sports programme, said: “I want to say thank you to the Italian government for giving me this fantastic opportunity to make my dream happen, for giving me the opportunity to train every day.”
