Who? The recurve women’s 2023 World Archery Champion.
Why? From one world champion to another, Marie Horackova is one archer who could challenge Jang Minhee and the rest of the recurve women’s field in Shanghai. Deciding not to compete in Puebla meant last weekend’s European Grand Prix Spring Arrows was her first 70-metre competition of 2026, and she looked strong on her return.
Before facing Elif Gokkir, Horackova dropped only three sets in four matches. Although she looked frustrated with the loss in Antalya, it still represents a positive start to the year. Like James Lutz, she has not reached many outdoor podiums at World Archery events in recent seasons, with her gold at the Berlin 2023 Hyundai World Archery Championships the last time she won a medal at 70 metres.
A silver on her first outing of the season, however, bodes well if that performance was a warm-up for Shanghai.
Horackova won her quarterfinal, semifinal and final all in straight sets at Berlin 2023.
