Archer Willem Bakker from Waalre has become European champion in the Olympic recurve event in Antalya, Turkey. The 25-year-old Bakker was too strong for the Italian Mauro Nespoli in the final 6-2.
Bakker started archery at the age of fifteen. He has already won several medals at international championships as a junior, but has never won a medal at a global title tournament as a senior. Last year he finished 57th at the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. His ultimate goal is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Strong lock
In the final, Bakker faced Italian Nespoli, who had defeated reigning champion Mete Gazoz from Turkey in the semi-finals. He managed to follow Bakker to 2-2. The third and fourth sets both went to the Dutchman at 29-28.
What is recurve?
A recurve bow is a classic bow, without pulleys. You maintain full pulling power while aiming.
