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August
16, 2004
Australia
suffered a double-blow and there was joy for Bhutan as the wind swirled
on the opening day of men's knockout archery action at the Panathinaiko
Stadium. As the 1/32 Elimination Round whittled down the men's field from
64 to 32, the defending Olympic champion, Simon FAIRWEATHER (AUS) and Australia's
best young medal hope, David BARNES, were the biggest casualties. It leaves
one of the strongest men's archery squads with as few competitors in the
last 32 as Bhutan.
Archery
is the national sport of Bhutan and after beating the 13th seed Jocelyn
de GRANDIS today, Bhutanese archer Tashi PELJOR looks set to return
home a national hero.
PELJOR's
achievement follows his compatriot Tshering CHODEN's victory over
the 11th seed in the women's event on Sunday. Regardless of their performances
in Tuesday's 1/16 Elimination Round, both are guaranteed to obtain a higher
finish than any Bhutan competitor in the history of the Olympic Games.
Source:
Athens 2004
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