Every Hyundai Archery World Cup tends to produce its own drama, but few expected Madrid 2026 – stage four of the season – to begin in such unusual circumstances.
As Europe endures a heatwave, temperatures are expected to climb into the high 30s°C this week in Spain, and those forecasts were realised during official practice at Vallehermoso Stadium as the sun beat down.
In fact, conditions were so hot that a couple of recurve archers suffered broken limbs after the heat affected their equipment, prompting recurvers to rush their bows into the shade.
Compound qualifying began at 16h00 local time and, after 36 arrows, the usual halfway break followed.
However, as dark clouds gathered overhead, competition was initially delayed by 10 minutes due to a thunderstorm warning.
As the heavens opened, though, it quickly became clear the delay would last much longer.
The change in conditions was dramatic. Moments earlier the sun had been shining over Madrid, before strong winds, torrential rain, thunder and lightning swept across the venue.
Compound archers were instructed to move into the stands with their equipment as the storm intensified, leaving athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators stunned.
