Despite a perfect finish by Utahn Denise Parker, the United States women's archery team failed in its quest to medal in a second straight Olympic Games Tuesday.
After defeating Hungary in its first match, 235-222, the U.S. team fell to France in the quarterfinal round, 234-225. The French team lost its next two matches - in the semifinals to Korea, 246-221, and in the bronze medal match to the Unified Team, 240-222. In the gold medal match, Korea defeated China, 236-228.The matches consisted of 27 arrows from each team, nine by each team member, with three arrows shot per end. Parker led off the U.S. team for its final end against France and responded with three bulls-eyes in the 10 ring for a perfect score of 30. The shooting moved the Americans into the lead, but only momentarily. Sherry Block of Colorado Springs, the next U.S. shooter, shot two fives and an eight for an 18 total. Jenny O'Donnell, the third American, then shot two sevens and a nine for a 23.
The French team, meanwhile, was responding with consistent arrows, scoring seven nines, an eight and a seven for its final nine arrows to win going away, 234-225.
"It was a helpless feeling," said Parker, "to just stand there after I shot. I was checking the French target and they were shooting pretty good. When I saw our fives I knew we were in trouble . . . But you can't blame Sherry. It was her first international competition."
Still, Parker was able to take consolation from her positive response to the pressure. Her strong finish contrasted greatly from her performance in the individual competition Sunday, when she shot an eight and a six on her last two arrows in the quarterfinals and lost by one point to Natalia Valeeva of the Unified Team.
"I shot real weak at the end Sunday," she said. "When it came down to the last arrows today I thought about that. I got aggressive. On my last arrow I shot it so strong. At first I thought, 'oh no, that's too much.' But there it was, right in the middle. I've found that when there's that much pressure you have to exaggerate everything so much."
Parker was part of the U.S. women's team that won bronze medals in Seoul four years ago. "I'm very disappointed to not go home with a medal," she said. "I feel I was shooting well enough to win one, and now I don't have anything to show for it."
A third Olympic Games is a distinct possibility, however, and not just for the 18-year-old Parker, but for the entire U.S. team. O'Donnell is also 18 and Block is 21.
"I need to work on my mental game," said Parker. "I really need to get serious about working with a sports psychologist, especially with this new (match play) format. It's so important. I'd have to say I learned from my experiences here, but the disappointment is still there."