Tokyo Olympics Archery 'First Triple Gold Medalist' Athlete An San Visits Gangjin

Visiting Father's Hometown Gangjin-gun... Thankful for the Support from Many People

Ansan, the national archer representing South Korea at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, visited Gangjin-gun, Jeonnam, his father's hometown. / Photo by Asia Economy

[Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] On the morning of the 6th, An San (20, Gwangju Women’s University), a national archery team member, visited Gangjin, the hometown of her father An Kyung-woo and mother Koo Myung-soon, along with coach Kim Sung-eun, to express gratitude for the support of the county residents, Jeonnam Gangjin-gun announced.

The welcoming event was held in the large conference room of the county office, adhering to COVID-19 prevention rules and social distancing guidelines, with only a minimal number of attendees including Lee Seung-ok, the mayor of Gangjin-gun, officials from the county sports association, and An Jong-gae, the great-uncle, along with residents of Nampo Village.

The event proceeded in the order of introducing An San’s career, bouquet and souvenir presentation ceremony, welcome speech, athlete’s greeting, commemorative photo session, and hand printing.

In particular, during the commemorative photo session, An San attracted attention with a surprise performance by personally placing medals on her family members, Mayor Lee Seung-ok, Chairman Wi Seong-sik, and others.

An San began archery in the third grade of elementary school and was selected as a national team member for three consecutive years starting from her second year at Gwangju Physical Education High School, achieving top placements in various national competitions and earning her first Taegeuk mark.

She emerged as a star who brightened Korean archery by winning a gold medal at the 2020 Pre-Olympics and swept gold medals in all events?mixed team, team, and individual?at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first archer to achieve a triple crown.

Her father, An Kyung-woo, is from Nampo, Gangjin-eup (4th graduate of Gangjin High School), settled in Gwangju, and An San was born in Gwangju.

An San said, “I thought of Gangjin where I came with my father when I was young, and seeing the changed scenery feels both unfamiliar and amazing. Thanks to many people cheering in my father’s hometown Gangjin, I was able to achieve good results, and I am grateful and happy for the warm welcome.”

She added, “I will do my best to achieve good results in upcoming competitions.”

Mayor Lee Seung-ok said, “If it weren’t for the COVID-19 situation, more residents would have come out to celebrate, so it is regrettable that only a minimal number attended. I believe there was a lot of training and parental dedication behind the achievement of becoming the first triple crown winner in Olympic archery. On behalf of the residents of Gangjin, I congratulate her once again and hope for good results at the Paris Olympics three years from now.”

National archery team member An San of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics visited Gangjin-gun, Jeonnam, her father’s hometown.

Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su kys86120@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.