In the second stage of the 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup, Sara Lopez and Sawyer Sullivan emerged victorious in the compound events. This marked the first stage win of Sullivan’s career and the 12th win for Lopez, her first since 2021. Both archers secured their spots in the season-ending finale while also claiming the top spots on the podium at Jinho International Archery Field in Yecheon, Korea.
Lopez expressed her joy and gratitude as she stated, “I’m so happy. And if I’m happy, then I can be the old Sara. Coming here, I had pressure from the federation, from the country, but my parents, my fiancé, my friends, they told me, ‘do it for you because you love this.’” Overwhelmed with emotion, Lopez cried as the Colombian national anthem played, reflecting on a period when she had lost her happiness and was only competing for the sake of others. However, she now feels a renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in the sport.
Lopez’s impressive performance included defeating top seed Han Seungyeon in the semifinals with a score of 149 and confidently winning the final against Andrea Becerra with a score of 146-144. With this victory, Lopez becomes the first reigning Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion to secure her place in this year’s final set to take place in Tlaxcala in October. Her return to form has reinvigorated her passion for archery and has once again solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
