Ella Gibson named World Games athlete of the month ahead of attempted title defence in Chengdu

Great Britain’s Ella Gibson was named World Games’ athlete of the month for July 2025, days before she heads to Chengdu, China, to defend her compound women’s title at the 2025 competition, starting on 7 August. 

The 25-year-old, who took gold at Birmingham 2022 over her great rival Sara Lopez, arrives in Chengdu buoyed by a confidence boost following her breakthrough triumph at the fourth stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Madrid.

The win was a pivotal moment in an otherwise challenging season, as Gibson had not reached a World Cup final in 2025 until her success in Spain.

“In 2022, I won pretty much every event I went to,” Gibson told the International World Games Association. “But I think when you really do put your blood, sweat and a lot of tears in it, it means that much more.”

In Madrid, Gibson edged India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam in a nail-biting 148–147 final, closing out the match with composed, precise shooting despite the Indian archer delivering a perfect last end. The victory also ended Gibson’s podium drought, her last major medal being a bronze at The Vegas Shoot earlier this year.

With Chengdu’s sweltering summer heat and humidity looming, Gibson has been working on her preparation, even apparently incorporating sauna sessions to help her acclimatise. 

Already guaranteed a place at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Nanjing, Gibson now carries fresh momentum to Chengdu, where she will aim to defend her crown.

No woman has yet defended a compound title at the World Games, and the only man to do so was Morgan Lundin in 1997. With Sara Lopez forced to withdraw from the competition, it perhaps makes her path a little easier. 

“I always want to do well at every event I attend and I always want to win. Winning in 2022 doesn’t really change my mindset. If anything, it takes a bit of the pressure off,” said Gibson.

“My strategy is always the same no matter who competes alongside me – be the best I can be, be confident and leave nothing on the table. I know all my competitors and their skills, so I feel mentally prepared.”

Will we see history made in Chengdu?