5 Questions with Elia Canales Martín
Bogensport Magazin
Elia Canales is one of the most exciting names in international archery right now. Competing in the German Bundesliga for the first time with SGi Welzheim, the Spanish archer is making a strong impression in league competition and on the world stage. In this interview, she talks about her motivation, the unique demands of the Bundesliga, and the momentum gained from a remarkable run of results.
BSM: Elia, this season you are competing in the German Bundesliga for the first time with SGi Welzheim. How did this opportunity come about and what motivated you to take this challenge on?
This opportunity came about quite naturally through conversations with the club. I had heard a lot about the Bundesliga and its unique team-based format, and when SGi Welzheim approached me, I felt it was the right moment to take on a new challenge. What really motivated me was the chance to compete in a league environment that is very different from what we have in Spain, and to be part of a strong, ambitious team. It felt like a great opportunity to grow both as an athlete and as a teammate.
BSM: You live and train in Spain but regularly travel to Germany for the Bundesliga. What does a typical match day look like for you and how challenging is it to balance travel, training and competition at this level – both physically and mentally?
On a typical match day, everything is very focused and well structured. I usually travel to Germany shortly before the competition, making sure I arrive with enough time to adapt, rest and get into competition mode. Balancing travel, training and competition is definitely demanding, both physically and mentally, but it is something I’m used to at an international level. Good planning, recovery and staying mentally present are key for me. Once the competition starts, the focus shifts completely to the team and the performance on the line.
BSM: There is no league format like the Bundesliga in Spain. What excites you most about this competition system and how does it differ from other formats you usually compete in?
What excites me most about the Bundesliga is the team-based league system and the atmosphere it creates. Every arrow really matters for the team result, and that brings a special kind of pressure and motivation. Unlike many other competitions I usually shoot, which are mainly individual or short-format team events, the Bundesliga has a season-long structure and a very intense match dynamic. It feels more like a “head-to-head” sport, which makes it extremely engaging and exciting to shoot.
BSM: With an arrow average of 9.83, you are currently ranked second amongst the South German teams – tied with Felix Wieser. After the third match day, only Tacherting and Welzheim have already secured a spot in the finals. So, what are you most looking forward to at the Bundesliga final in Wiesbaden – and do you think your team has what it takes to win the title?
I’m really looking forward to experiencing the finals atmosphere in Wiesbaden and competing under that kind of pressure with my team. The fact that both Tacherting and Welzheim have already secured a spot in the finals shows the level we’ve been performing at this season. I truly believe we have a very strong and balanced team, and if we stay focused and shoot at our level, we definitely have what it takes to fight for the title.
BSM: Gold in the mixed team at the World Championships in Gwangju, gold at the GT Open in Luxembourg, and fifth place in Nîmes – this is a pretty strong streak of results! What do you feel has contributed to this success and how do you see your journey shaping up for the rest of the season and the road ahead?
I think this run of results is the outcome of a lot of consistent work over time rather than one single factor. Physically, I feel very solid, but even more importantly, I’ve made a big step forward mentally in how I approach competitions. I’m focusing more on process and execution instead of results, which allows me to stay calm and present under pressure. Having a stable training environment and a great support team around me has also played a huge role. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, my goal is to keep building on this consistency, keep learning from every competition and continue enjoying the process. I feel motivated and confident about the road ahead, but also very grounded and focused on taking things step by step.
Elia, thank you so much for your answers and best of luck for your upcoming competitions!
Photo: World Archery
