Team Manitoba returned from the Rocky Mountain Classic in Blackfalds, Alberta, with a remarkable medal haul: four golds and one silver. Five archers represented the province in the competition, which consisted of a 600-round qualification followed by a double-elimination matchplay round. Their success showcases the effectiveness of their training and the high level of competition at the event.
Individual Performances:
- Tiauna Bustard (U15 Recurve): Bustard demonstrated incredible resilience in the U15 recurve female A-side final, overcoming a daunting 4-0 deficit to win 6-4. She then faced and defeated the same opponent, Taressa Pardo, in the gold medal final with a decisive 6-0 victory.
- Anna Parkhomenko (U25 Recurve): Competing across U21 and U18 recurve categories, Parkhomenko secured gold without dropping a single set point in matchplay, highlighting her exceptional skill and composure.
- Ryder Wilson (U21 Recurve): Wilson’s dominance began with a top qualification score of 564/600. He maintained this momentum throughout matchplay, ultimately claiming gold.
- Sylar Anderson Johnson (U15 Compound): Johnson also led after qualifications with a score of 557/600, remaining undefeated in matchplay to win gold. His gold medal final score of 144 is potentially a new Canadian record (pending confirmation).
- Acadia Flockton (U18 Compound): Flockton, despite finishing qualifications in third place (554/600), showcased impressive matchplay skills, reaching the gold medal final before narrowly losing to Sydni Keichinger. Her silver medal is still a significant achievement.
(Photo: Ryder Wilson shooting while teammate Sylar Anderson Johnson watches)
Team Events:
Team Manitoba also competed in team matchplay rounds, achieving further success:
- U15 Barebow/Recurve: Tiauna Bustard and Rylan Kaliel secured first place with a combined score of 757.
- U15 Compound: Sylar Anderson Johnson and Kinzie Peatman achieved the highest score (1,058) but ultimately took second place.
- U18 Compound: Acadia Flockton and Kody McGee earned a second-place finish.
- U18/21/25 Recurve: Ryder Wilson and Piper Smith also finished second.
(Center):Tiauna Bustard U15 Recurve Gold
Coach’s Perspective:
Team Manitoba coach Kelly Taylor praised the Rocky Mountain Classic, describing it as a “must-shoot” event for aspiring Western Canadian youth archers. Taylor highlighted the event’s value in preparing archers for the pressure of high-stakes matchplay, a crucial element of major tournaments. He expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and resilience under pressure. The focus on matchplay aligns perfectly with the demands of elite competition, where qualification scores often play a secondary role in head-to-head elimination matches.
The event’s success is a testament to the dedication of the archers, their coaches, and the well-organized structure of the Rocky Mountain Classic, sponsored by Jim-Bows Archery.
(Far Right): Acadia Flockton U18 Compound Silver
(Center): Sylar Anderson Johnson U15 Compound Gold
(Center): Ryder Wilson U21 Recurve Gold
(Center): Anna Parkhomenko U25/U21 Recurve Gold
