Korea's veteran archer Jeon Hun-young shines at Paris Olympics

Korea's national archery team members pose with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, second from left, following the women's individual archery event at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Les Invalides in Paris, Saturday. From left are Nam Su-hyeon, Chung, Jeon Hun-young and Lim Si-hyeon. Courtesy of Korea Archery Association

Korean archer Jeon Hun-young played a pivotal role in driving the national team to win the 10th consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's team event. With a decade more athletic experience than her teammates, she significantly boosted team morale by encouraging the younger archers throughout the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to the Korea Archery Association, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun thanked Jeon for her support of the team by abandoning any sense of authority and giving herself to the team. Chung has led the association since 2005.

The expression of gratitude came after Jeon finished fourth in the women's individual event on Saturday in which her teammates Lim Si-hyeon and Nam Su-hyeon won the gold and silver, respectively.

Jeon is known for her cheerful and easygoing attitude, often making jokes to relieve the tension her younger teammates' experience during team events.

Born in 1994, she is roughly 10 years older than her teammates Lim and Nam, who were born in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

When a coach asked Jeon if it would be OK for her to share a room with athletes from other sports, she was willing to do so and said, "If my younger teammates feel comfortable, then I am OK."

"There were many worries and concerns about the national archery team, but we won three gold medals in all the events," Jeon said.

"The pressure was significant, but we achieved our goal. I am satisfied with the result of the team. I also do not have any regrets because I worked hard without rest. For now, I am relieved."