China’s steeliness was a stark contrast to the frustrated, and far more experienced, Americans who were aiming to win gold at a World Cup as a women’s team for the first time since 2015.
Following her seven in the third end, there was one moment where Medellin 2023 bronze medallist Mucino looked at her bow in bemusement, gazing in astonishment as hopes of a first team World Cup gold dwindled.
“We don’t want our bad shots, but they’re necessary at some point,” said 22 year old Mucino. “It wasn’t a good shot, it could have been better. It was at the end of an end so it didn’t matter realistically, even if it wasn’t a seven.”
“The bow was fine, it was just me.”
It was Mexico’s day once again in the recurve mixed team as they defeated Spain 5-3, the final end being a 39, one off a rare perfect score of 40.
Matias Grande and Alejandra Valencia are top-10 world ranked athletes in their own right as individuals, creating together one of archery’s most formidable duos on the world stage but with World Cups and continental championships the only prizes in the medal cabinet thus far, 2024 Pan American champion Grande knows what must be done to change that come the World Championships in Gwangju later this year.
“I think we need to keep working hard. We don’t need to show too much confidence. We know all the teams work very hard, so we need to keep pushing hard, and keep enjoying as we do,” added Grande.
The recurve final fours occur in the afternoon session which shall conclude the action for Central Florida 2025. You can watch it live on archery+.
