Upsets are the very soul of sports. The potential for underdogs to defy expectations and triumph over more illustrious opponents is what keeps us enthralled in the world of sports. And when these upsets do unfold, the sheer elation and sense of accomplishment make the entire journey worthwhile. That's precisely why Li Jiaman couldn't contain her tears as she stood proudly atop the podium at the 2024 Archery World Cup.
Leading China to a history-making victory over archery giants South Korea, securing their first-ever recurve women's team title, was undoubtedly an astounding achievement. \"When I heard the national anthem during the award ceremony, I was overwhelmed with excitement,\" said Li afterwards. \"Winning the trophy this time was a truly arduous journey. I have envisioned countless times defeating South Korea, but I never dared to imagine that these dreams would one day become a reality.\"
South Korea, with their nine consecutive Olympic gold medals in the women's recurve team event, were heavily favored to maintain their dominance at the World Cup. Nonetheless, China's exceptional performance proved that reputation alone cannot guarantee success. The talented trio of Li, An Qixuan and Yang Xiaolei truly showcased their mettle right from the start. With impressive scores of 55-54 and 56-54, they secured victory in the first two sets, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead.
Reference(s):
China make history with 1st women's team title at Archery World Cup
cgtn.com
