Jennings Bows Out Of Recurve Open 

Para-archer Amanda Jennings has fallen short to Italy’s reigning world record holder in the 1/8 elimination round of the women’s recurve open on Tuesday, going down 6-0 at the Esplanade des Invalides. 

Jennings – who defeated Indonesia’s Wahyu Retno Wulandari 7-3 earlier in the day to progress to the next round – was unaware of her Italian opponent’s number one ranking and London 2012 silver-medal-podium finish until after the game. 

“After the match finished, I looked up and realised, oh, she’s the number one,” Jennings remarked. 

Despite the result, Jennings was pleased with her performance considering she only took up the sport post the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. 

“I am happy with how I shot today. I’ve only been at it a few years, so it’s amazing to experience something like this,” she said. 

“You’re not going to know how to become a world champion if you don’t go up against the best, so the way I see it, it just puts her in my sights for the next world championship,” Jennings said post-match.” 

The former para-canoeist also highlighted the amazing crowds and support shown at the archery events since competition started. 

“The main thing is that I have enjoyed it, and the crowd was incredible – they’re part of my journey. It’s taken a village to build us as athletes, and whether they’re back home or here, they’re my village, and they get me through.” 

While her individual matches have concluded, Jennings is preparing for the mixed team recurve open event alongside teammate Taymon Kenton-Smith on Thursday (September 5).  

The duo will face off against India’s Harvinder Singh and Pooja in what promises to be a highly contested match. 

Jennings is optimistic as she looks ahead to the mixed teams event.  

“I’d really love to be able to get up on the podium, and I think when Taymon and I are both shooting at our best, it’s doable. 

“Taymon and I love playing together, we really do, our energies bounce against each other, we’re a bit of a yin and yang – Taymon is the energy of the team.” 

Kenton-Smith is preparing for his own 1/16 elimination round in the men’s recurve open which will take place tomorrow (4 September). The 29-year-old from Brisbane will face China’s Jun Gan, who ranked 10th in the qualifying round, making it a tough match for Kenton-Smith, who placed 23rd. 

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By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia 

Published: 3 September 2024