The 56th World Archery Congress will be held in Gwangju, South Korea, on September 2 and 3. This meeting will determine the federation's future president. Uğur Erdener will resign after his fifth term. Belgian Tom Dielen, IF Secretary General, is running to succeed him, like Greg Easton, whose father, Jim, chaired the body from 1989 to 2005. The American, who has promised to donate his full salary to improve support for member federations, shares his vision for the future of archery. Francs Jeux.
Why do you want to become President of World Archery?
My decision to run for World Archery President stems from a deep belief in what we can achieve together as a global archery community. Having served our sport at all levels, including on the World Archery Executive Committee for nine years, I have seen both the enormous potential and the gaps we need to address. I am passionate about our sport. Archery has shaped my life for more than three decades. I have competed as an athlete, led the local organizing committee for five prestigious international events, served on the USA Archery Board of Directors, and managed global archery businesses.
Over the past few months, I have also heard a clear and consistent call from many in the archery world for change, new ideas, renewed energy, and leadership that listens and acts. Through hundreds of conversations with Member Associations, athletes, and partners, I have learned that effective leadership is not about having all the answers, but about building and empowering a strong team that serves the people who shape and support our sport. Within the World Archery family, we have the expertise and now have the opportunity to strengthen our collaboration, raise our ambitions, and make a lasting impact on athletes, Member Associations, and all our stakeholders.
How would you assess the current position of archery in the global sporting landscape?
It's strong, but there's room for improvement. Archery has a unique appeal thanks to its precision and mental aspect. But we need to translate that unique appeal into global demand. An incredible amount of work has been done. However, we need to redouble our efforts to deliver the best possible product to our athletes and fans. Our Olympic relevance remains strong, especially with the inclusion of the compound mixed team event in Los Angeles in 2028. However, I understand the need to make our events more engaging and immersive, both for athletes and spectators.
Objectively, how far can archery go?
Archery's potential is considerable, but harnessing it fully requires strategic thinking and collaboration. The key lies in better communication around athletes, strategic partnerships, and innovative formats that appeal to new generations without losing sight of the essence of our sport. We can expand archery's reach through digitally driven experiences, youth-oriented formats, and even the introduction of esports. Success will be measured not only in audience reach, but also in creating meaningful pathways for athletes, financial sustainability for host countries, and offering experiences that showcase what makes archery so special.
What are the three main ideas of your program?
My program is based on four strategic pillars, but if I had to highlight the three most important areas, they would be:
Member Associations and Athletes: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in our diverse global community. We need to provide tailored support that reflects each country's specific needs, create stronger development pathways, and strengthen athlete representation in decision-making.
Events: Our events are where archery comes to life, but they must evolve to meet growing expectations. We need flexible hosting models, better support for emerging hosts, and events that are attractive to athletes and fans, while also being financially sustainable for hosts and athletes.
Governance: In my conversations with member associations, several highlighted their feeling disconnected from key decisions. Good governance requires regular consultations, transparent communication, and a culture where leaders listen first, share openly, and ensure every voice is heard before taking important actions.
These priorities are not just my vision; they come directly from my conversations with the global archery community.
What lessons do you draw from the inclusion of the compound mixed team event in 2028 for the future?
This demonstrates that innovation and tradition can successfully coexist. Compound archery is a high-tech discipline, but it remains fundamentally archery with its skill, mental discipline, and precision. This teaches us that we must continue to innovate thoughtfully, build a strong case for the evolution of our sport, and maintain our commitment to excellence across all disciplines. It also reinforces the importance of offering diverse pathways for athletes and the value of mixed-gender competitions in today's sporting landscape. Having multiple pathways in our sport is a strength, not a complication.
At the same time, we must be aware that new additions to the Olympic program may entail compromises, such as reducing the number of places for athletes practicing recurve archery, which can be particularly difficult for smaller countries. This awareness should motivate us to ensure that opportunities remain balanced and accessible to all athletes.
The World Championships have never been held in Africa. What is missing for this continent, like other regions, to become more involved?
Continental representation in our major events is an area we must prioritize. Organizing a major championship requires significant investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial resources, which can be challenging for developing member associations. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable; they simply require targeted support and a new way of thinking.
For Africa in particular, we must work closely with the continental association to identify potential hosts and establish multi-year development programs that build both infrastructure and expertise. This may include partnering with established hosts for knowledge transfer, providing technical assistance, and potentially exploring co-hosting models.
My manifesto specifically addresses this issue by committing to supporting emerging hosts with practical advice, mentoring, and concrete planning tools. By streamlining requirements and focusing resources on athlete experience and competition quality, we can make hosting more accessible to a greater number of member associations.
In this campaign, is it an advantage or a disadvantage that your father was president?
I think it's both an advantage and, in some ways, a slight disadvantage. Many people in the archery world knew my father and appreciate everything he did for World Archery. Through his leadership and life, he left a legacy of excellence, integrity, and hard work—values I strive to uphold in my own life and leadership.
At the same time, I understand that some may think I am simply following in his footsteps. But his presidency ended more than 20 years ago, and since then, I have forged my own path, as an athlete, a member of the World Archery Executive Committee, an organizer of major events, and a leader of international archery businesses. I come forward with my own agenda and commitment to service, bringing my experience in service, business leadership, and my vision for the future of our sport.
