Representing Paraguay in his first ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games in archery on 10 August, marked a special moment for Blas Romero Flecha, a 19-year-old from Caacupé. In a discipline that demands patience, technique, and emotional balance, Blas faced the challenge with the conviction of upholding the name of his country. The Asunción Times follows and interviews talented young Paraguayan athletes throughout the two-week premier sporting event.
On his debut competition day, Blas set a personal best, but his journey ended in the round of sixteen against Brazil’s Rafael Magalhães. In the mixed team event, alongside Bianca Torres, the Paraguayan finished in ninth place against Ecuador, adding another valuable experience to his young sporting career.
An unexpected beginning
Blas discovered archery in an unusual way. One day, after covering extra hours at an event for his job at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, his cousin made a bet of Gs. 5,000 (60 cents in US dollars) to see who could shoot an arrow the furthest. As they competed, increasing the distance each time, a coach from the committee noticed his skill and saw potential.
Shortly afterwards, the coach approached him with the opportunity to practise the sport. That chance moment would mark the beginning of a new passion.
A path built through personal effort
Barely a year after his first shot, Blas was already part of Team Paraguay. “When they told me I was going to the Junior Pan Am Games, I did not know what it was or the magnitude it had. I trembled with nerves. This was my first competition at this level, and I went with the confidence of representing my country well,” he recalls.
His preparation was far from easy. Blas worked at the committee from 7 AM to 5 PM, and without pause, went to train until around 9 PM. “Archery is an expensive sport. I gradually equipped myself, buying things in instalments, without receiving help at the beginning. Once I qualified, the federation provided me with a good bow.”
Social media as a driving force, not a distraction
At a time when many young people use social media as a distraction from discipline, Blas chose to give it a different purpose. He used platforms such as TikTok to find motivational content that helped him improve his technique and remain consistent in his training.
Support that crosses distances
Blas lived in a different city from his parents, which meant he did not see them often. “The last time I saw them was in May this year.” For this reason, his father’s presence at the Games in Asunción had a profound significance: “For my father to come and watch me compete for the first time, means a great deal to me. It moved me and motivated me to give my very best.”
Patience, technique, and inner peace
In archery, technical precision is just as important as mental calm. Blas understood this well: “Before stepping onto the shooting line, I try to remain calm with a stress ball and listen to music. Before releasing each arrow, I take a deep breath to relax.”
His ritual, inspired by the film Gran Turismo, involves listening to music right before stepping into action. It is his way of concentrating, and finding the inner peace necessary to hit the target.
A message for other young people
Convinced that sport has the power to transform, Blas encouraged others to try archery: “It is a good sport. Mentally, you must have inner peace to be at 100%. The discipline and perseverance that I learned in sport, I also apply outside the field.”
Beyond medals, his goal at these Games was clear: to learn, improve, and absorb everything the experience could offer. “If I did not reach the podium, I still wanted to grow, analyse the techniques of others, and keep trying.”
His story shows that even with little time in a sport, dedication and consistent effort can open doors that once seemed distant. For Blas Romero Flecha, this was only the first of many arrows he will continue to aim towards his dreams.
Interested in following his sports journey? Check Blas Romero on Instagram.
The Asunción Times follows and interviews talented young Paraguayan athletes throughout the two-week ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games. Also read: the story of Judoka Gabriela Marecos at ASU2025: Strength And Dreams On The Tatami.
