Who is Lim Sihyeon? All you need to know about the Korean archer who broke the world record in women's individual event
Lim Sihyeon is a South Korean archer who made headlines on Thursday (July 25) at the Paris Olympics 2024. She set a new world record in the women's individual archery event by securing 694 points.
The 21-year-old archer broke the record of her fellow archer from South Korea Chaeyoung Kang, who achieved a score of 692 in 2019 at Hertogenbosch.
Lim Siheyon was focused during the competition. She shot 21 inner 10s and finished ahead of Nam Suhyeon, who scored 688 to enter the round. China’s Xiaolei Yang ended up in the third position with a total of 673 points. Lim and Nam also achieved a record for South Korea with total points of 2046 and finished ahead of the Chinese archers.
When it comes to the team standings, Mexico came in third with a total of 1986, and Indian archers were fourth with a total of 1983 points. South Korea is currently third in the World Rankings.
Lim Sihyeon is a debutant at the Olympics and she made history in her first big event. The South Korean youngster has become a favorite to add to the medal tally for South Korea and she is destined to reach the podium.
World No. 2 Lim Sihyeon has impressed in recent years
Lim Sihyeon is currently second in the world rankings after America's Casey Kaughold. However, her world record of 694 has declared her supremacy in archery and now the South Korean will be looking forward to reaching the top for the second time in the same year.
Lim had a positive season in the recent competitions. She won a gold medal at the Yecheon 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 2 with 80 points. Her other gold came at Shanghai 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 with 60 points.
In 2023, Lim made headlines with two gold medals at the Shanghai 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 2 and Medellin Archery World Cup Stage 2, respectively. She collected 60 points in both events.
Lim's first gold came in Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games where she reached the top spot at the podium with 60 points. India's Deepika Kumari has been her closest competitor in all the events and it will be interesting to see what comes next for both archers in the Paris Olympics 2024.