Mexico’s Samuel Molina won the recurve men’s competition at the inaugural Americas Para Archery Cup in Morelia, defeating Juan Diego Blas Fernández of Guatemala in straight sets in the final.
It’s yet another major continental title for the 43-year-old, who previously won individual gold at the Pan American Para Championships in Monterrey 2021 and São Paul0 2024, as well as the Santiago 2023 Para Pan American Games, alongside multiple team and mixed team titles.
The sole entrant from outside the Americas, Ziva Lavrinc of Slovenia, won gold in the recurve women’s event.
There was, however, a small upset in the compound women’s open category as favourite and top seed Diana Gonzabay Guaman was beaten in the semifinal by Helena Nunes de Moraes of Brazil, who went on to win.
There was a minor upset in compound women’s as top seed Diana Gonzabay Guaman of Ecuador was beaten in the semifinals by Helena Nunes de Moraes of Brazil, who went on to take gold.
In compound men’s, the USA’s Kevin Polish followed up his record-breaking qualification round with another standout performance, defeating second seed Daniel Comeau of Canada, 143-141, in the final. Polish also added gold in the team event with teammate Douglas Godfrey.
Strong performances across both individual and team events pushed the USA to the top of the medal table, building confidence ahead of key events later this year.
The second Americas stage of the continental cup will be held in Chicago, USA, from 27 to 31 August, just weeks before the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju in September.
Delayed coverage of Sunday’s finals will be available with a subscription to archery+, with footage expected no later than seven days after the event.
