One year later, Olympic medallists walk down memory lane from Paris 2024

One year on, the magic of Paris 2024 still echoes in the hearts of fans and athletes alike. 

From fierce emotions to record-breaking performances, the Games had it all, as 128 athletes from 53 nations battled for five gold medals at the historic Esplanade des Invalides – writing their names into Olympic history.

For many, Paris 2024 wasn’t just another stop on the international calendar – it was their defining moment.

It was Korea that turned heads at the picturesque venue, winning all five gold medals on offer. But others, too, ensured Paris would remain an unforgettable milestone in their careers.

Paris witnessed Kim Woojin reaffirming his status yet again and this time stronger than ever. He went on to win triple gold medals, including his first individual gold, making the count five with his two men’s teams gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

The Games saw Kim Woojin reaffirm his legendary status – and stronger than ever. He won triple gold, including his first Olympic individual title, adding to his men’s team golds from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. With five Olympic golds, Woojin is now the most successful archer in Olympic history.

But the journey wasn’t easy.

“I felt a burden,” Woojin admitted. “Aiming for a third consecutive team gold, winning the mixed team and the individual events – none of these were easy. Each came with its own level of difficulty and pressure.”

Still, his favourite Olympic memory remains his debut.

“That was my Olympic debut, and I’ll never forget that moment,” he said, recalling his team gold at Rio 2016.

His win over USA’s Brady Ellison in a shoot-off for the individual title in Paris was one of the most thrilling highlights of the Games.

“I still vividly remember the moment I secured the victory by the narrowest of margins,” Woojin said. “It was an intense and unforgettable finish.”

Woojin’s mixed team partner, Lim Sihyeon, was another standout at Paris 2024.

She became only the third archer to win three Olympic gold medals at a single Games – joining teammates An San (Tokyo 2020) and Woojin (Paris 2024) in the record books. Her efforts helped Korea claim its 10th consecutive Olympic team title.

Lim’s dominance in her debut Olympics wasn’t surprising. She had already made a mark in 2023, with 10 Hyundai Archery World Cup medals across all formats and gold at the Asian Games.

Looking back, the 22-year-old said she had dreamt of Paris 2024 for years.

"It really felt like my dream was finally starting. I was excited since the beginning [of the Paris 2024 Games] gave everything during qualifications. That mindset probably helped me set a new world record.”

Lim’s 694 in recurve women’s qualifying was the highest ever and helped Korea break the Olympic team record, too.

“Honestly, the pressure was way more intense than I expected,” she added. “Being called the ‘Ace of Korea’ at such a young age probably added to it. If I get to compete at LA28 Olympics, I think I’ll be able to keep cool, handle the nerves better and deal with pressure way more smoothly than I did in Paris.”

“A great athlete is not someone who never fails, but someone who always stands back up,” she said, summing up what makes a champion.

Lee Woo Seok also made a dream Olympic debut, winning individual bronze in recurve men and team gold with Woojin and Kim Je Deok. 

A former Youth Olympic (2014) and Universiade (2015) champion, Woo Seok admitted the Olympic pressure was on another level.

“To shoot in front of such a huge crowd made me even more nervous than usual,” he said. “Plus, knowing that one mistake could erase four years of preparation and that I‘d have to wait another four years added to the pressure,” said the three-time Hyundai Archery World Cup Final runner-up.

“The individual event was the biggest challenge for me. I had waited and prepared for so long, and naturally I felt a lot of nerves going into that match.”

“Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed just because it’s the Olympics. Everyone is competing under the same conditions, and you’ve already put in so much hard work to get there. 

To future Olympians, he would give clear advice.

“Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed just because it’s the Olympics. Everyone is competing under the same conditions, and you’ve already put in so much hard work to get there.”

“Trust in your preparation and approach the match with confidence,” shared the 27-year-old.

The Korean legend Kim Woojin also had his share of advice for the juniors:

“Everyone feels nervous and tense when standing on the Olympic stage. But trust the time and effort you’ve invested up to that point. You don’t need to do more or less; just show everything you’ve prepared. The results will come afterward,” said the main architect of Korea’s historic gold sweep in Paris.

Surely, Woojin had waited for the most memorable moment of his career – and his time arrived in Paris, where he etched his name into the history books.

And he continues to spell magic with his bow – inspiring the next generation of archers.

For Lisa Barbelin, who became the first French woman to win an individual Olympic archery medal, the Paris 2024 Olympics will be etched in her memory forever.

Her bronze in the women’s individual competition wasn’t just historic for her nation – it meant more than anything to Barbelin. The burst of emotion after she beat Jeon Hunyoung for the medal was a clear testament to that.

Admittedly, it was the biggest moment of her career – competing and winning a historic medal in front of her home fans and family. She also acknowledged the pressure the Olympic Games bring.

“Olympic pressure is bigger than any other competition. Because of the context: only once in four years! Because of Paris, it was at home, so bigger pressure,” said the 24-year-old. “The biggest challenge for me was to perform at home.” 

But she believes it was her “confidence” that led to her first Olympic success.

“Confidence was key,” she said. “Even with all the pressure, I trusted myself and gave everything I had.”

One year later, the legacy of Paris 2024 lives on – not just in the medals, records and unforgettable moments, but in the inspiration it continues to spark among the next generation of archers.

For Woojin, Lim, Lee and Barbelin, the Games were more than a competition.

They were a dream realised, a test of character and a reminder of what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity – and pressure meets belief.