In Olympic archery, competitors shoot at a target from a standardized range. This standardized range varies by competition level and archer’s age, with the most common distance for senior events being 70 meters. Other distances, such as 50 meters, 30 meters, and 18 meters, are used in different competition categories or age groups. This specified separation between archer and target ensures fair competition and allows for consistent evaluation of skill and precision across events.
Maintaining a consistent range is crucial for several reasons. It creates a level playing field where archers compete under identical conditions, eliminating potential advantages or disadvantages related to distance. This standardization also enables direct comparison of scores and facilitates the establishment of world records. Historically, standardized distances emerged as archery transitioned from a primarily military and hunting practice to a formalized sport. The consistent range is a vital part of modern archerys structure and allows for objective measurement of skill.