Born: 1988
Biography:
Ki Bo-bae (Hangul: ; Korean pronunciation: [ki.bo.b] or [ki] [po.b]; born February 20, 1988) is a South Korean recurve archer and three-time Olympic gold medalist. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful archers in Olympic history, with a total of four Olympic medals to her name.
Ki was introduced to the sport of archery at the age of eleven when it was offered at her primary school. Displaying natural talent and determination, she quickly progressed in the sport and by 2010, she became a member of the South Korean national team. From that point onwards, Ki’s career in archery began to bloom.
In 2010, Ki was selected to represent South Korea in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou. While she was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the women’s individual competition, she, along with her teammates Joo Hyun-jung and Yun Ok-hee, went on to win the gold medal in the women’s team event, defeating the Chinese team in a thrilling final.
The following year, Ki continued to excel in the sport, earning further accolades. At the 2011 Archery World Cup’s second stage in Antalya, she won a team gold medal and finished as the runner-up in the individual competition, losing only to her teammate Jung Dasomi. Ki also secured her first mixed team title at the 2011 World Archery Championships.
However, Ki’s breakthrough moment came in 2012 when she competed in the Summer Olympics held in London. She showcased her incredible talent and mental fortitude, winning not one, but two gold medals. Ki emerged victorious in both the women’s team event, alongside her teammates Yun Ok-hee and Choi Hyeon-ju, and the women’s individual event, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of archery.
Her victories at the 2012 Olympics propelled Ki to national fame in South Korea and solidified her status as a role model for aspiring archers worldwide. She became synonymous with excellence and determination in the sport.
Ki’s success did not end there. In the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, she once again claimed the gold medal in the women’s team event, this time alongside Chang Hye-jin and Choi Mi-sun. Additionally, she won the bronze medal in the women’s individual competition, showcasing her consistency and skill on the international stage.
Throughout her career, Ki has also achieved numerous other notable accomplishments. She has won gold medals at the World Archery Championships, including becoming the women’s recurve world champion in 2015. Ki has also achieved success at the Asian Games, the Summer Universiade, and the Archery World Cup finals, clinching gold medals on multiple occasions.
Off the field, Ki is an avid learner, pursuing her academic goals alongside her sporting career. As of 2017, she was pursuing a doctorate degree while also expressing an interest in working with athletes of the Paralympic Games and teaching disabled children. Furthermore, she has shown a keen desire to contribute to the advancement of the Olympics by potentially joining the International Olympic Committee to assist in future bids by South Korea to host the Summer Olympics.
Ki has also found personal happiness in her personal life. After winning her third Archery World Cup in September 2017, she announced her forthcoming marriage and tied the knot in a ceremony held two months later. She continues to inspire others with her dedication, talent, and warmth.
With an impressive array of accomplishments and a remarkable journey in the world of archery, Ki Bo-bae has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her determination, skill, and commitment to excellence have made her a true icon of women’s archery and an inspiration to athletes worldwide.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, Women’s Team Event)
– Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, Women’s Individual Event)
– Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, Women’s Team Event)
– Olympic Bronze Medalist (2016, Women’s Individual Event)
– World Archery Championships Gold Medalist (2015, Women’s Recurve)
– Asian Games Gold Medalist
– Summer Universiade Gold Medalist
– Archery World Cup Finals Gold Medalist (three-time winner)