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Korean men win again but France, Türkiye completes historic podium

29 July 2024

Paris, France

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The recurve men’s team podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Korean men’s team beat France in a phenomenal final at the Invalides arena as Türkiye completed the podium, collecting the country’s first-ever team medal – across all sports – at the Games, on archery’s second day of finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Favourites, top seeds and defending champions, Kim Woojin, Kim Je Deok and Lee Woo Seok raised their level again and again.

It culminated in three exceptional sets – of 57, 59 and 59 points – and another Olympic gold.

“It’s very much an honour. It’s been three times for us, at consecutive times, and it's very much an honour,” said team leader Woojin, who has become the first male (and only second archer) in history to win three team gold medals.

“I still have some more Games to go so I will do my best.”

This is Korea’s second gold medal at these Games after the women’s team battled, tooth and nail, to their 10th consecutive victory yesterday.

The French men put up a valiant defence of this home arena, tying the Koreans in the first set but losing the subsequent with a 58. Ultimately, the reigning European Champions couldn’t muster the magic they needed to top the podium, but the silver is still historic.

“For us, it’s an honour to offer that medal to France. Especially here at home. Because it’s our sport, it’s our passion, it’s our pleasure,” said Jean-Charles Valladont, who was individual runner-up at Rio 2016.

“I know what it is to be an individual but now we're a team. So it's wonderful to share this success with my friends.”

The man trusted to anchor the French team to the podium? The youngest athlete of the entire delegation in Paris, Baptiste Addis. He performed.

“We gave everything. That gave us huge satisfaction, especially me. We can be proud of what we did,” he said.

The 6804-strong arena crowd had its fair share of Korean fans – they always show out in force – but they were drowned out by the home support. The cheers for the new vice-Olympic champions (vice-champions olympiques) were almost as loud as those for the repeating victors.

As were they for Türkiye.

Led by defending individual Olympic Champion Mete Gazoz, they proved that their path continues on the right track. An almost-win to France in the semis (it was a millimetre on one arrow) and a solid four-set, 6-2, bronze medal match result over China.

The teamwork showed up, the quality showed up – and the country’s leader showed up.

“This morning I was immortal Mete, now I am relaxed Mete.”

Three days of early eliminations up next at Invalides – before finals resume with the mixed team on 2 August.