Aussie Archers Faced High Stake Battles In Paris 

The third day of the Para-archery competition saw disappointment for Australia, as they faced formidable opponents on the world stage in the women’s individual compound open 1/8 elimination matches. 

Aussie Ameera Lee went head-to-head in a tight battle with hometown hero, France’s Julie Rigault Chupin. Igniting the vocal crowd Rigault Chupin triumphed over Lee 140-132, while Melissa-Anne Tanner’s Paralympic journey came to a heart-wrenching end when she was defeated by defending Paralympic gold medallist and 2022 World Champion, Phoebe Paterson Pine from Great Britian, 140-136. 

The battle between Lee and Rigault Chupin is far from over, with a high-stakes rematch in the mixed teams compound open 1/8 elimination round set to take place on September 2. 

This time, Lee will have the support of her teammate, Jonathon Milne, as they face off against the French duo of Rigault Chupin and Maxime Guerin. 

Lee expressed optimism about the upcoming mixed teams compound open event. 

“Jonathon has a calming nature, and we’ve played together before with good results, I am looking forward to it,” she said.                                

When asked about today’s event, while disappointed, Lee said she was satisfied with her performance, emphasising she stuck to her process throughout the match. 

“At the end of the day, I came to Paris and followed my process, and I’m happy with that,” she said. 

“It’s anyone’s game, obviously, I hit too many eights, but next time I can step it up.” 

The intense atmosphere created by the French crowd was a memorable experience for Lee, who was struck by the overwhelming support Rigault Chupin received. 

“The noise level was insane – I could hardly hear my coach,” she exclaimed. 

“The support the French had for their team was next level.” 

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Milne on Sunday as he faces Kevin Polish from the United States in the 1/8 men’s compound open elimination round. 

Thirty-eight-year-old Milne is on a mission to claim a podium finish after missing out on a medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. With a bronze medal from the Rio Games in 2016 and another from the 2023 World Championships under his belt, Milne is ready to make his mark. 

Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the 9Network and 9Now live and free, and on Stan Sport till September 8. 

By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia 

Published: 1 September 2024