That constant focus through entire competitions may not make the Berlin 2023 Hyundai World Championships bronze medallist the most animated or smiley compared to other archers such as the ever grinning Buianto – who did a series of star jumps and stretches before walking on the stage – but it’s worked tremendously for the world number three and has got him to his position as one of today’s best.
Again though, D’Almeida put his explosion of relief down to his family again.
“My mum always says, ‘Do your best’ and now tomorrow it’s my sister’s birthday so it’s a great week and a big party week,” he added whilst laughing.
The biggest upset this week was the Korean men failing to make it into the final fours, but Korea’s women lived up to their extremely high standards as they ended the recurve women’s individual event with a podium one-two – the second consecutive in the World Cup after Shanghai, the second stage.
In a battle of Olympic titans, Paris 2024 Olympic champion Lim Sihyeon grabbed the gold against Tokyo 2020 champion An San, convincingly beating her 6-0. It is the second time this season Lim has defeated her compatriot after winning 7-3 in their quarterfinal contest in Shanghai last month.
“Based on my experience in Shanghai, I tried to approach things a bit differently here in Antalya, especially with my posture, and I think it worked out well,” said Sihyeon who lost to Lee Gahyun in China.
The next stage of the Hyundai World Cup is in Madrid next month, the fourth and final stop of archery’s premier international circuit. It takes place 8-13 July.
You can watch back coverage from Antalya on archery+.
