Song Yun Soo wins world title; takes home 3 medals

Twenty-one year-old Song Yun Soo of Korea became World Archery Champion by defeating Yesim Bostan of Turkey, 145 to 143, in the compound women’s gold medal match at the 2017 Hyundai World Archery Championships in Mexico City.

“This is my first big stage. It feels so good,” said Song, sighing and smiley. “There's no other words to describe it. It feels so good.”

Opening with a 30, Song landed nine out of her 15 arrows in the 10-ring. 

In the lead throughout the match, Song wavered in the last end and put in an eight, but recovered from the bout of nerves to finish with a 10 and take the match over Bostan, 145-143.

“The reason why I'm able to be here right now is thanks to the entire Korean national archery team and our coaching staff. My teammates on both the women’s and men’s teams, they're the reason why I am able to be here and why I was able to win medals today. I just want to tell them that I am so grateful,” she added.

“I imagined that [winning three medals] could happen, but I never knew it would come true.”

Paired with Kim Jongho, Song contested the mixed team title with Kristina Heigenhauser and Marcel Trachsel from Germany, who they beat with a perfect 40-point finish and 156-149 overall.

“Since I happened to win the mixed team event at the last World Championships, I did feel a bit of pressure shooting this match,” said Kim. “Song Yun Soo and I had great communication and we shoot well together, so I’m just happy with our match.”

Kim Jongho shot a perfect match, putting all eight of his arrows in the 10-ring.

Early on during compound Saturday in Mexico, Song won bronze in the women’s team event with Choi Bomin and So Chaewon.

The 2017 Hyundai World Archery Championships run 15-22 October in Mexico City, Mexico.