Elder Targets Olympic Spot

Veteran archer Robert Elder is vying for a spot at the 2020 Olympics Games in Japan.

In order to claim a spot he needs to win the gold medal at the Pacific Games in Samoa.

He is part of the six-member team which includes New Zealand-based Frederick Leota, Lisa Leota, George Fong, Patrick Nadan and coach/manager Francis Dominiko which departed yesterday.

“I will do my best; winning the gold medal will be a bonus for me,” he said.

“Competition will be high as it is also an Olympic qualifier.”

He is wary of the overseas exposure other teams are getting.

Team Samoa archers trained in China for six months, Tonga in Denmark for two months and Vanuatu has recruited Chinese coaches.

Elder has been involved in the sport for over 21 years. He made his debut in the 2003 Pacific Games in Suva and so far won two gold medals and silver in the four-yearly event.

He has competed at four Olympics Games as well.

Team manager Dominiko said Team Fiji archers stand a good chance for medals.

“They have passed all the qualifying targets, they have over 10 years experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is making a return to competitive compound action in the event as well.

Archery at the XVI Pacific Games

First included in the 1971 edition, archery makes it seventh appearance on the competition schedule. 15 countries are set to participate in the competition, which also doubles as a qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

A total of 10 medals are up for grabs across three divisions: Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed.

-Edited by Osea Bola

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