Archery veteran leads young Olympic hopefuls to Paris

Archery veteran leads young Olympic hopefuls to Paris

2024-05-21

Taiwan’s women’s archery team has qualified for the Olympics this summer, led by none other than 2016 bronze medalist Lei Chien-ying. Her four times competing at the Games are sure to help newcomers Lee Tsai-chi and Chiu Yi-ching, as the three take aim for the podium in Paris.

Representing her home team in the local enterprise league, 34-year-old Lei Chien-ying stands out as the reliable veteran. She helped her team to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and hopes to repeat her success this summer in Paris at her fourth Games.

Lei Chien-ying
Archer
I like to share with them some of my experiences competing or issues I’ve encountered, how to break through and solve them.

Facing passionate archers many times her junior has rekindled Lei’s love for the sport.

Lei Chien-ying
Archer
They give me more enthusiasm, because for me, as someone who’s competed so much, I often forget that passion and reason for competing.

Lei’s young teammates are 19-year-old Lee Tsai-chi and 20-year-old Chiu Yi-ching. It will be the first time in the Olympics for both, who show stability and confidence beyond their years.

Chiu Yi-ching
Archer
I’ve always really admired Chien-ying. I’ve seen her compete, and now she’ll be leading us. And she’s also always encouraged us. I’ve improved throughout this process, and I’m gradually gaining more experience.

Lee Tsai-chi
Archer
My advantage is that I’m more optimistic, but maybe a little too much so. My goal is to do my best. What will be will be.

Although Taiwan’s women’s archery team is going through a transition, they have a capable captain at the helm. Lei is confident in her teammates’ abilities, and all three are hard at work preparing to fight for the gold in Paris this summer.

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