Archery

Archery was first played in the Olympic Games in 1900 and thereafter in 1904, 1908, and 1920, though the origin of the raw form of the sport i.e. hunting can be traced back to 10,000 years ago. Today, it is one of the most popular sports in the world and is practiced in over 140 countries. Hubert van Innis of Belgium is the most celebrated archer in Olympic history, winning six gold medals and three silvers in 1900 and 1920. After 1920, archery was withdrawn from the Olympics and reappeared, after more than half a decade, in 1972, with an individual event for men and for women in which the Americans John Williams and Doreen Wilber of the USA won the gold medals. Lee Chang-Hwan of Korea currently holds the world record score of 117 made in 12 arrows match in the Beijing Olympics. The team event debuted in Seoul 1988 Games. In the London Olympics 2012, the Archery competition will be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground from 27th July to 3rd August. A total number of 128 competitors, 64 men and 64 women will be participating in the sport in different events. More records are expected to be broken and set. Here is the complete list of the Olympic Records made in the different events of Archery over the years.