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Aug 05, 2026

IFAA World Field Champions Crowned in Yankton

Nearly 200 archers representing 15 countries across five continents gathered in Yankton, South Dakota, from July 26 through August 1 for the 2026 International Field Archery Association (IFAA) World Field Archery Championships. Hosted at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, the world's largest archery facility, the weeklong event brought together the world's top field archers to compete for the title of World Champion, including 93 athletes representing the United States.

Unlike target archery, field archery takes competitors through natural terrain where they shoot at targets positioned at varying distances and elevations. Adult divisions faced shots ranging from 80 yards to just 20 feet, requiring constant adjustments in distance, footing, lighting, and shooting angle. The ever changing terrain and target presentations make field archery one of the sport's most challenging disciplines.

The championships opened with an Opening Ceremony and Parade of Nations, where IFAA executives and local dignitaries welcomed competitors from around the world to Yankton while celebrating the 15 countries represented at the championships.

Over five demanding days, competitors faced everything Mother Nature could deliver. Intense summer heat, gusting winds, and passing storms added another level of difficulty to an already challenging competition, testing both the physical and mental endurance of every archer. Competition featured 28 Field targets on day one, 28 Hunter targets on day two, 28 Animal targets on day three, followed by a second Field round on day four and a final Hunter round on day five. Each round required a different combination of precision, strategy, and consistency as archers adapted to the unique challenges presented on every course. Despite the difficult conditions, the world's best archers rose to the occasion, producing outstanding performances and setting numerous new world records across multiple divisions throughout the week.

The event concluded with an Awards Banquet, where competitors gathered to enjoy a celebratory meal, recognize the newly crowned world champions, and reflect on a memorable week of world class competition and international friendship.

The United States team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the championships. Team USA was represented by Colton Walters, Haley Hatlevig, Matthew Nofel, Rick DeBrueler, Fawn Girard, Alan Eagleton, Tracey Francis, Kelly Eagleton, and Ron May-Pumphrey. Their combined efforts earned the United States the prestigious Champion of Nations title, with New Zealand finishing second and Australia placing third.

The next opportunity to compete on the world stage is just around the corner. The IFAA World Indoor Archery Championships will be held in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside the NFAA Indoor Nationals, giving archers the unique opportunity to compete in two prominent events during the same week. Registration is now open for the IFAA World Indoor Championships. All NFAA members are invited to make plans to join the world's best archers and seize their opportunity to become an IFAA World Champion.

Event Results

Event Pictures

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