Who are they? Recurve man from Mexico.
What’s the story? It has been Grande’s best outdoor season so far. The 21 year old won his first World Cup medals as an individual in 2025 getting silver in Shanghai and then gold at Madrid. The fourth stop of the international premier circuit was his last competition and if you truly are as good as your last event, then the Mexican could be the grand(e) master of Gwangju.
“I think these days I want to do it (finals) in a different way,” Grande said after his Madrid triumph. “I think in all the scenarios, but I used to start shooting a little bit nervous, a little bit with anxiety. Today when I woke up, I said that it will be different. I didn’t expect a result or a medal. I just want to be happy, to be enjoy it.”
In Berlin, he couldn’t even make the top-64 cut but when you consecutively beat Olympic medallists Brady Ellison, Kim Je Deok and Baptiste Addis at a World Cup, then you’re definitely in the mix for Gwangju.
What’s the goal? To become the first ever Mexican world archery champion.
Vital statistics:
- Age: 21
- World ranking: 5
- Best result: Winner at this year’s fourth Hyundai Archery World Cup stage in Madrid.
- Instagram: @_matiasgrande_
