Babelang Stops Women's Archery Sweep "Influenced Greatly by Ki Bo-bae" [Paris Olympics]

Victory over Jeon Hun-Young 6-4 in the Bronze Medal Match
Mentions Ki Bo-bae from 2010 when asked about influential players

"I was greatly influenced by Ki Bo-bae. I think she is an excellent archer."

French female archer Lisa Barbelin poses with Lim Si-hyun and Nam Su-hyun, who won gold and silver medals respectively, at the medal ceremony of the women's individual archery event at the 2024 Paris Olympics held on the 3rd at Les Invalides in Paris, France. Lisa Barbelin won the bronze medal by defeating Jeon Hun-young 6-4 in the bronze medal match.
[Photo by AP]

Riza Bavelan (France), who prevented the Korean team from sweeping gold, silver, and bronze in the women's individual archery event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, mentioned the 'legend' Ki Bo-bae.

On the 3rd (Korean time), Bavelan won the bronze medal by defeating Jeon Hun-young (Incheon City Hall) 4-6 (27-28 29-27 26-28 29-26 27-28) in the women's archery bronze medal match held at Les Invalides in Paris, France.

She earned the first Olympic medal in French women's archery history and simultaneously stopped Korea's dominance, which had aimed to sweep gold, silver, and bronze for the first time in 24 years since the 2000 Sydney Games. Having restored the pride of the host country France's archery, she sat down on the floor and roared with emotion immediately after the match.

At the official press conference held after the awards ceremony, Bavelan expressed respect for the Korean 'legend.' When asked if she had ever been influenced by a Korean athlete, she immediately mentioned Ki Bo-bae and expressed her gratitude.

Recalling her experience of training with the French national team in Gwangju in October 2019, Bavelan said, "At that time, I shot arrows together with Ki Bo-bae. I was greatly influenced by her," adding, "I learned how effort can lead to results."

French female archer Liza Bavelain is overwhelmed with emotion as she kisses her bronze medal at the medal ceremony of the women's individual archery event at the 2024 Paris Olympics held on the 3rd at Les Invalides in Paris, France. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Ki Bo-bae was a leading figure in Korean women's archery during the 2010s. At the 2012 London Olympics, she won two gold medals in the individual and team events, and at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, she earned a team gold medal and an individual bronze medal. Having retired last February and appointed as a professor at her alma mater Gwangju Women's University, Ki Bo-bae attended this Olympics as a commentator. Thanks to this, she was able to witness Bavelan's growth firsthand.

Bavelan, who paid tribute to Ki Bo-bae and Korean archery, smiled and said, "I really feel proud. When I shot a 10 at the end, I was truly happy and proud of myself. I am glad that my efforts have resulted in success."

In the women's archery final of this tournament, Lim Si-hyun (Korea National Sport University) defeated the youngest team member Nam Soo-hyun (Suncheon City Hall) to claim the gold and silver medals.