The Netherland’s Mike Schloesser lived up to his ‘Mr. Perfect’ nickname at the Chengdu 2025 World Games by winning the compound men’s individual title with a perfect score to beat the USA’s Curtis Broadnax, 150-148.
It was a statement that delighted the crowd, and showed Mikey at his very best. ”Walking away here with a gold medal, like third time is a charm,” said Schloesser.
It was the Dutchman’s third attempt at a World Games title, after his run at Birmingham 2022 was stopped by Abhishek Verma and his Wroclaw 2017 competition was ended in the quarterfinals by Esmaeil Ebadi.
“I’m very excited, this one has been haunting me for a couple years now and I finally had a little bit of luck and some good moments to show, and at the level I have been in the last 12 months,” he said.
Both archers were clearly in form heading to the last two, and as they took the stage for the first crucial arrows, Schloesser seemed to be looking for the reassurance that all was well with his shot, with Broadnax impassive but determined.
Both opened with strong clean ends and it looked as though it might be a nail-biter all the way, but the tension seemed to just get to Broadnax first; and his third arrow in the second end dropped low.
He shook his head, knowing that against Mikey in form, it would be difficult to come back – and it would be impossible. Schloesser was in full flow and never looked in danger of missing the ten; just the slightest flicker of the fingers on the very last arrow showed that he was still indeed human.
Broadnax, who took a bronze medal yesterday in the mixed team competition, was gracious in defeat after an impressive tournament. “I’m very grateful that it ended up working out like this,“ said the American.
“[Winning medals] is the expectation; as an athlete you always expect to win. Unfortunately I didn’t end up winning but but it’s okay. I’m happy with how I did. I feel good to stand on the podium.”
