US, South Korea dominate

The United States and South Korea have ruled the sport for the last three decades.

American men have won six golds since 1972, including both the individual and team titles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Meanwhile, South Korean women have won every title since 1992. Their male counterparts are fast playing catch-up.

But with some 50 NOCs aiming to qualify for the upcoming Games, the balance of power may be shifting. Russia, Italy, Great Britain, China, Malaysia and India are among the new players out to stake their respective claims in the sport.

Beijing Olympic Archery Field

Location: Olympic Green

Type: Temporary

Floor area (sq m): 8,609

Permanent seats: None

Temporary seats: 5,000

Groundbreaking date: December 28, 2005

Features:

The Olympic Green Archery Field's final round competition range forms a "V" shape, with the opening to the "V" facing north.

The 14 meter-high stands are the steepest spectator stands of any outdoor venue. The purpose of this design is to make sure that spectators have the best possible view of the competitions.

The spectators will be seated behind the athletes and to their sides, with ample distance separating the spectators from both the athletes and targets, thereby minimizing any possible distractions for the archers during the competitions.