Italy’s Paolo Tonon has reclaimed the men’s W1 world record, setting a new mark of 589 at 18 metres, subject to ratification.
The Paralympic bronze medallist broke the previous record of 587, set by Paris 2024 Paralympic Games champion Jason Tabansky just over a year ago, during the qualification round at the Italian Indoor Para Archery Championships in Lamezia Terme.
“It’s definitely a good way to start 2026,” said Tonon. “I’d been preparing specifically for the Italian Championships, and I’m really happy to have reclaimed this world record.”
The 36-year-old compound archer had previously held the men’s W1 world record before Tabansky, setting it at 582 two years ago – also at the indoor nationals.
Representing his club, Gruppo Sportivo Paralimpico Difesa, Tonon shot an astonishing 50 10s from 60 arrows in qualification, but was narrowly beaten in the gold medal match by 2023 European para champion Maurizio Panella, 147-146.
Still, Tonon was more than satisfied with the result.
“Over the past two months, I’ve competed indoors, but I wasn’t able to shoot as well as I wanted. I always demand a lot from myself, and in the final weeks before the Championships, I was shooting well, confident in my shot, but I knew that to set the record, I’d have to be almost perfect.
“I was able to carry over what I’d done in recent training sessions into the competition.”
The record adds another milestone to Tonon’s indoor career and confirms his status among the leading athletes in the men’s W1 category.
