Bullseye for bronze for Kyle Tremblay

SANTIAGO – Kyle Tremblay of Deep River, Ont. hit a bullseye in the shoot-off to win the bronze medal match in the men’s individual compound open Wednesday as the Para archery competition concluded at the 2023 Parapan American Games.

The dramatic finish, under a hot blazing sun, was necessary when his opponent Mexican Victor Sardinia hit three perfect 10s in the fifth and final round to force the tiebreaker and set up the one-shot deal for the medal. Sardinia, without arms, holds the bow with his right foot, puts the string between his chin and chest, and pulls.

Tremblay, 32, had already locked up a Paralympic quota spot for Canada by reaching the bronze medal match but he wasn’t done.

‘’I wanted this one for Canada,’’ said Tremblay, Canada’s sole entry in the sport at the Games. ‘’I got the spot but going home with the medal makes it that much sweeter.”

“Victor was amazing, he kept pushing and I had to stay focused. I couldn’t let my mind drift.”

It was the second straight match Tremblay went into the shoot-off. On Monday he lost the semifinal to Diego Quesada of Costa Rica by one shot. Kevin Polish of the U.S. beat Quesada for the gold later Wednesday.

‘’On that last shot I just told myself don’t shoot a nine again and lose.”

Para archery returned to the Games after not being on the 2019 program. Canada also reached the podium at the other two Games which included the sport in 2015 and 2011.