American official Greg Easton has been elected president of the International Archery Federation –World Archery (WA)–, becoming the organisation’s tenth leader. His election strengthens the continuity of a family legacy deeply linked to archery across three generations: his grandfather Doug transformed the sport by introducing aluminium arrows in 1939, his father James Easton led WA between 1989 and 2005, and now Greg takes on the federation’s highest office.

The election took place during the 56th WA Congress in Gwangju (Korea), where Easton secured 208 votes against the 96 obtained by current secretary general Tom Dielen. The new president will serve a four-year term once the congress concludes. He succeeds Professor Dr Ugur Erdener, who had presided over the federation since 2005, a period marked by organisational modernisation and consolidation within the Olympic movement.

Institutional transition at World Archery

“Yesterday I asked you to join me on this journey,” Easton told delegates after the result was announced. “I want to thank you for joining me. I think together we can make some great changes here at World Archery, improve our sport and build on the great foundation that both Tom and Dr Erdener created for us.”

The president-elect also acknowledged the contribution of his opponent. “I would like to thank Tom for all of his service. I don’t think this takes away from all he has done and what he can still do for this sport,” he added.

A family tied to archery since 1939

The Easton family has played a prominent role in the development of archery for more than eight decades. Doug Easton, grandfather of the new president, set a technical milestone in 1939 with the creation of aluminium arrows that transformed performance in competition. His son James consolidated both the family business and the federation, leading WA for 16 years and contributing to archery’s stronger position in the Olympic programme.

Greg Easton, representing the third generation at the head of Jas. D. Easton, Inc., has continued that legacy with an active role in the sport’s governance: he was a member of WA’s executive board from 2013 to 2022 and has been involved in philanthropic projects such as supporting the federation’s Excellence Centre in Lausanne. With his election, the family retains a decisive role in the global growth of archery.

Easton’s mandate will officially begin at the close of the congress, marking the start of his tenure.