How Far Do They Shoot in Olympic Archery? 70 Meters Explained

By Sarah Miller · September 13, 2036

In Olympic archery, athletes shoot from a distance of 70 meters (approximately 76.5 yards) at a target with a diameter of 122 cm, and the inner 10-ring measures just 12.2 cm across. This standardized distance has been used in the modern Olympics since 1988 and applies to both recurve men and women competitors.

The Basics of Olympic Archery Distance

Olympic archery is governed by the World Archery Federation (WA), which sets strict rules for competition formats, equipment, and shooting distances. The standard shooting distance for all individual and team events in the Olympic Games is 70 meters. This distance tests precision, consistency, and mental focus under pressure.

Why 70 Meters?

The 70-meter distance was adopted to ensure uniformity across international competitions.
It balances challenge and fairness, allowing athletes to demonstrate elite skill without being overly influenced by environmental variables like wind.
This range aligns with the design of modern recurve bows used in the Olympics, optimized for accuracy at this distance.

Target Specifications and Scoring Zones

The target face in Olympic archery is 122 centimeters in diameter and features 10 concentric scoring rings. Each ring is worth points from 1 (outermost) to 10 (center). The inner gold ring (10 and inner 9) is only 12.2 cm wide—about the size of an apple—which makes hitting the highest score extremely challenging from 70 meters.

Scoring Ring	Diameter (cm)	Points
Outer Target Face	122.0	-
10-Ring (inner gold)	12.2	10
9-Ring	24.4	9
8-Ring	36.6	8
7-Ring	48.8	7

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the scoring rings decrease incrementally in size, demanding exceptional precision. At 70 meters, even minor errors in form or wind judgment can result in missing the 10-ring by millimeters. Top archers consistently hit the 10-ring over 80% of the time during qualification rounds.

Competition Format and Round Structure

Olympic archery includes individual, team, and mixed team events. All are shot at 70 meters using recurve bows. Here's how the format breaks down:

Qualification Round: Each archer shoots 72 arrows (6 ends of 12 arrows) at 70 meters.
Match Play: Based on ranking, archers enter head-to-head elimination rounds.
Individual Matches: Best of 5 sets, 3 arrows per set; first to 6 set points wins.
Team Events: Teams of 3 shoot 24 arrows total (each member shoots 8).

Equipment Regulations

Only recurve bows are permitted in Olympic archery. Compound bows are not allowed. Bows must meet WA specifications regarding draw weight, length, and accessories. Stabilizers and sights are allowed, but release aids are prohibited.

Historical Evolution of Olympic Archery Distance

The shooting distance has evolved over time. Early Olympic archery events (1900–1920) featured multiple distances and formats. However, standardization began in the late 20th century:

Prior to 1988: Distances varied between 50m, 60m, 70m, and 90m depending on event and gender.
Since 1988: 70 meters became the universal distance for all Olympic recurve archery events.
This change improved fairness and allowed global training consistency.

Physical and Mental Demands at 70 Meters

Shooting at 70 meters requires more than just physical strength. Elite archers must master:

Perfect posture and anchor point consistency
Breath control and heart rate management
Wind reading and environmental adaptation
Mental resilience under high-pressure conditions

A top-tier Olympic archer can maintain groupings of arrows within a fist-sized area at 70 meters—a testament to years of disciplined training.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Archery Distance

How far do Olympic archers shoot?

Olympic archers shoot from a distance of exactly 70 meters (76.5 yards) during all official events, including individual, team, and mixed team competitions.

Do men and women shoot from the same distance in Olympic archery?

Yes, both male and female archers compete from the same 70-meter distance. The only difference is in average draw weight due to physiological differences.

What type of bow is used in Olympic archery?

Only recurve bows are used in Olympic archery. Compound bows are not permitted under World Archery rules for the Games.

How big is the Olympic archery target?

The full target face is 122 cm in diameter, with the 10-ring measuring just 12.2 cm across—roughly the size of a tennis ball.

Can archers see the target clearly from 70 meters?

While the target appears small from 70 meters, elite archers use high-magnification sights to clearly see the scoring rings. Peripheral vision and muscle memory also play key roles in aiming accuracy.