How Far Is Archery in the Olympics? 70 Meters Explained

By Sarah Miller · March 8, 2042

In Olympic archery, the standard competition distance is 70 meters for both men and women in individual and team events. This distance has been used consistently since the modern revival of archery in the Olympics in 1972.

Understanding Archery Distance in the Olympics

The 70-meter distance is a defining feature of Olympic archery, setting it apart from other forms of the sport practiced at different ranges. This standardized range ensures fairness, consistency, and global comparability across competitions.

Why 70 Meters?

The 70-meter distance was adopted by World Archery (formerly FITA) and integrated into the Olympic program to balance precision and physical demand.
It challenges athletes' accuracy, focus, and equipment control under pressure.
The target diameter (122 cm) creates a small angular size from 70 meters, equivalent to viewing a coin from over 100 meters away.

Olympic Archery Format and Rules

Olympic archery follows strict guidelines set by World Archery and the International Olympic Committee. Events include individual, team, and mixed team categories for recurve bows only.

Key Competition Elements

Bow Type: Only recurve bows are permitted in Olympic archery.
Target Face: 122 cm in diameter with 10 scoring zones.
Scoring: Inner gold ring (10 and 9 points) is just 12.2 cm wide.
Match Format: Best-of-five sets in individual events; first to six set points wins.

Historical Evolution of Olympic Archery Distances

Archery has had an inconsistent presence in the Olympics, debuting in 1900 and returning permanently in 1972. Distances varied significantly in early editions.

Olympic Year	Host City	Men's Distance(s)	Women's Distance(s)
1900	Paris	50m, 33m	50m, 33m
1904	St. Louis	60yds, 50yds, 40yds	None
1908	London	60yds, 50yds	60yds, 50yds
1920	Antwerp	Various (up to 60m)	Various
1972–2024	Munich–Paris	70m	70m

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows a clear shift toward standardization after 1972. Prior to this, distances were inconsistent and often measured in yards. The adoption of the 70-meter metric standard brought uniformity and enabled fair global competition. Since 1972, no changes have been made to the official Olympic shooting distance.

Equipment and Technique at 70 Meters

Shooting at 70 meters requires specialized recurve bows with high draw weights and advanced stabilizers. Elite archers typically use bows with draw weights of 45–50 lbs for men and 30–35 lbs for women.

Factors Influencing Accuracy

Wind conditions and lighting significantly affect arrow flight over 70 meters.
Arrow spine, fletching, and nocking point must be precisely tuned.
Mental focus and consistent form are critical due to the small target size.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Archery Distance

How far do Olympic archers shoot?

Olympic archers shoot from a distance of 70 meters (approximately 76.5 yards) from the target in all official events.

Do women shoot the same distance as men in Olympic archery?

Yes, both male and female archers compete at the same 70-meter distance in individual, team, and mixed team events.

Has the Olympic archery distance always been 70 meters?

No, early Olympic archery events (1900–1920) used various distances, including 33m, 50m, and yard-based ranges. The 70-meter standard was introduced in 1972 and has remained unchanged since.