Mete’s legend grows as Olympic and world champ adds European title

Mete Gazoz became the first archer in history to hold the Olympic, World and European Champion titles at the same time today in Essen, as Germany’s Katharina Bauer won the recurve women’s event in front of a supportive home crowd.

Mete swept Slovenia’s Den Habjan, 6-0, in the recurve men’s final.

He celebrated with his traditional pose – and his family, who were watching from the stands.

“It means a lot to me. My mum, dad and sister all coming. Today has a very special meaning for me as it is Mother’s Day in Türkiye,” he said. “I presented the gold medal of the European Championships to my mother and I am very happy about it. I am proud.”

“Knowing that my family is behind me always gives me a lot of strength and I try to reflect that strength on the field.”

Mete’s ability to switch to another level at major events is astonishing. And it was on full display in Essen.

He opened the final with a 29-point set but when Habjan didn’t pose much of a threat in the second, the reigning Olympic Champion lost focus – and pushed his third arrow of the set high and right, into the seven.

“I threw it so badly,” he said afterwards. “I knew I had to get good points in the last set. I knew my opponent was going to have a good set, so I just prepared for that. I think about what I have to do and I’m brave. Then it comes back to you.”