Men's Team Wins Bronze Medal
Athens, Greece (USOC)- The Men’s Archery Team won what is believed to be the United States’ first medal in Men’s Team Archery on Sunday. Team members, Jeff Fabry (Tulare, Calif.), Aaron Cross (St. Cloud, Minn.) and Kevin Stone (Adrian, Mich.), defeated Great Britain 231 to 212 to win the bronze.
In the quarterfinals, the Americans met Italy and narrowly defeating them 226 to 223. The United States and Japan competed in the semifinals to determine who would play for the gold and who would play for bronze. The Americans were disqualified due a technicality and played for the bronze against Great Britain.
“This breaks the Paralympic drought for us,” says coach Glen Harris (Langley, Wash.). “This is a turning the tide, this is huge. The guys performed awesome.”
“We shot great,” states Fabry, a two-time Paralympic medallist. “I am proud to have competed with these teammates. I know everyone back home was cheering for me and I did my best.”
The weather conditions changed throughout the tournament from sunny with a little wind to constant wind with a little rain. The weather had no impact on the Americans ability to record high scores. “The rain is normal for us,” says Stone. “I said ‘Bring it on.’” During the rain the Americans continued to score high, while the Brits faultered slightly.
“To win a medal with these guys is a great experience and great honor,” says Cross, a three-time Paralympian who earned his first Paralympic medal. “This will be a huge boost for disabled archery across the world. This is some of the best shooting I have ever seen at the Paralympics.”
Cross struggled early to find his rhythm in the quarterfinal match against Italy. “Everything started to click,” reflects Cross about when he started hitting nines and tens. “I looked down at the target and all of the sudden it was there. I was scared and excited at the same time, it was great.”
“I don’t think I have ever shot that good in my entire life. It feels fantastic,” says an excited Stone about winner his first Paralympic medal. “I am excited about putting on our medal uniforms and getting on the stand.”
Korea won the gold medal defeating Japan by 13 points. Archery competition concluded Sunday with the team competition.
Result:
1. KOR, 236
2. JPN, 223
3. USA, 231
posted September 30, 2004
©2004
WINtegrated Solutions LLC,