W1 women: Experience shows?
Once again our panel was split, this time between two veteran titans of W1, Korea’s Kim Ok Geum and the Paralympic silver medallist, Czechia’s Sarka Pultar Musilova.
Bernado was very clear that Pultar Musilova, the world number one, was the favourite. “The world record holder arrives strong in Gwangju. Not only that she’s on good form, but China’s Chen Minyi, who beat her for gold in Paris 2024, won’t be competing. Who, then, can stop her?”
Phil, however, went for Kim, saying: “Women’s W1 is the category I feel the host nation has a chance to shine. Ok Geum missed the podium in Paris but has medalled at two events leading up to Gwangju and has a chance to top it off with a gold on home soil.”
Karim also, eventually, plumped for Kim. “This is the hardest of the lot really. Absolutely you can take your pick really from anyone in the top ten, but I think the Koreans are putting a bit more focus on it, and while Kim missed out in Paris she did get a bronze medal at the Asian Championships this year. She’s who I’m putting my money on.”
Favourite: A two horse race?
The Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships begin on Tuesday 23 September.
