Beijing Olympics 2008 Archery Events

Archery sports emerged as an organized competition sport during the sixteenth century.
The first known organized competition in Archery sports was held at Finsbury, England in 1583.
The sport was introduced to the Olympics in 1900.
Hubert van Innis from Belgium won the most medals in Olympic history.
Archery sports was removed from the Olympic program in 1920 and re-introduced in 1972.
Team events were added in 1988.
Now, men and women participate in separate events.

The following equipment is required for competitive Archery sports:

Armguard: for arm protection while shooting.
Arrow: Should have a maximum diameter of 9.3 mm and identity markers like archer’s initials, name, distinctive colors or patters.
Bow: The weight specified for men’s and women’s competition is 22 kilograms and 15 kilograms respectively. The bow comprises of a riser and two limbs.
Bowstring: Mostly made of a material called Dyneema.
Chestguard: Designed to protect the body from injury while releasing the bowstring and keeping clothes out of the way.
Finger tab or shooting glove: Made of leather, it is worn to protect the finger while releasing the arrow.
Fletching: Real or artificial feathers at the tail of the arrow for streamlining movement.
Hand grid of handle: is the handle of the bow.
Quiver: is a container for holder for arrows and is worn around the waist.
Nock: is the attachment on the rear end of an arrow that holds it in place on the bowstring.
Sight or Bow sight: is a mechanical device that helps in aiming.
Stabilizer: is a weight mounted on the bow to stabilize it while shooting.
Target: The centre of the bull’s-eye stands 1.3 meters above the ground and is 12.2 centimeters in diameter.

Can be shot with fingers or with a release.
The maximum bow weight for men and women is 80 Lbs and 60 Lbs respectively.
Peepholes, armrests and stabilizers are permitted.
Only standard type of arrows can be used.
Arrows should weigh a minimum of 125 US grains and 100 US grains for men and women respectively.
Pencils can be used to score arrows.
Crosschecking is done between the scorers and the judges to prevent cheating.
When shooting is alternating, the tie break will also be in alternate shooting and will be shot in 30 seconds.
If the match is shot in non alternating format, the tie break will also be without alternation and shot in 40 seconds.
A 122 cm target is used for the 60 m and 50 m distances.
An 80 cm target is used for the 40 m and 30 m distances.
128 athletes will perform in the Archery sports competitions.