Diamond Archery Club claims back-to-back glory and dominates ABO Nationals
Diamond Archery Club from the Northern Cape has made history at the 2025 ABO National Championships, claiming back-to-back titles and dominating across nine classes. Standout archers Junior Fourie, Odette Victor, and Jaco Mulke led the charge, while nine club members reached the podium. The club was crowned “ABO Club of the Year” for the second year running, cementing the Northern Cape as a national archery powerhouse and showcasing a bright future for 3Di archery in the region.
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THE NORTHERN Cape has firmly established itself as a national archery powerhouse, following a historic performance by the Diamond Archery Club at the 2025 ABO National Championships.
Sending a strong contingent of 31 members across nine competitive classes, Diamond Archery Club showcased the depth, skill, and relentless dedication of the region’s 3Di archery talent.
The championship victories were the result of more than just weekend effort; they were the culmination of a year-long pursuit of excellence. The club's members had already dominated the challenging Triple Crown series, setting the stage for their national success.
Standout performers included Junior Fourie (Aided Open), Odette Victor (Female Hunter Class Aided), and Jaco Mulke (Advanced Hunter Class), all crowned national champions after a grueling six-day competition. Their consistent performance extended into the “Race to the Buckle” series, which rewards sustained high scoring over 10 days.
Remarkably, Junior, Odette, and Jaco claimed these prestigious trophies as well, underlining their focus and discipline.
The Nationals also highlighted the club’s impressive depth, with nine members reaching the podium. Zanne Mulke captured the Future Bowhunter Class title, while Bjorn De Kock and Theo Thomas finished second and third, demonstrating the strength of the club’s development pipeline. Renita Fourie added a national title in the Female Hunter Class, and Odette Victor secured her second title in the Female Hunter Class Aided category.
The Advanced Hunter Class saw a stunning clean sweep for Diamond Archery Club.
Ortwin Du Plessis took gold, Jaco Mulke secured silver, and Phillip Coetzee earned bronze despite competing while ill. Dian De Kock and Tobie van Wyk also finished strongly, in fourth and sixth place, cementing the club’s dominance across all classes.
The crowning achievement came with Diamond Archery Club being named “ABO Club of the Year,” marking the first time in 21 years that a club has won back-to-back national titles.
The feat not only celebrates the talent and commitment of the club’s archers but also highlights the challenging Northern Cape 3Di courses that prepare competitors for success at the highest level.
Club Chairman John Filmalter is seen holding the coveted ABO Club of the Year award.
Image: Supplied
Looking ahead to 2026, the Diamond Archery Club remains committed to nurturing the next generation of champions, ensuring that the Northern Cape continues to be a force on the national archery stage.
Aspiring 3D archers can contact Diamond Archery Club chairman John Filmalter at 084 600 2084 to learn more about joining the club and developing their skills.