Li Jiaman looking to relive Youth Olympic win at Paris 2024

“My target is to finish in the top three at international competitions, including the World Cup,” continues Jiaman.

Two appearances on the circuit in 2023, in Medellin and Paris, brought silver and bronze in the team events. Jiaman then made an impact at the Asian Games, winning team silver and individual bronze. China fell just short of qualifying a team quota for the Olympics at the end of the season – but ran Korea close.

“I did reasonably well and progressed in each event,” she says. “But there’s still room for improvement. I’m focusing on my training, daily, to get better in all aspects of my game.”

Talented Jiaman

National coach Kwon Yonghak, who has been coaching in Chinese provinces for the last 16 years, heaped praise on the former Youth Olympic Champion. He describes her as a ‘talented’ player, whose presence brings confidence to the team.

Originally from Korea, Kwon has witnessed Jiaman’s rise since her teenage days and believes the now-experienced archer is capable of recreating the Nanjing magic.

She matched the qualifying world record of 692 points during Chinese trials.

“When you set a goal for her,” says Kwon. “She will achieve it.”