Olympic Gold Medal Coach Joins Philippine Archery Team
The Philippine archery team has gained an extraordinary asset in their quest for international glory. Ryu Su Jeng, the celebrated South Korean coach who led her national team to multiple Olympic gold medals, has begun training Filipino archers in what officials are calling a transformative development for the sport.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio described Ryu as 'a gift to Philippine archery' as the renowned coach entered her second week of intensive training with local athletes at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Proven Track Record of Success
Coach Ryu brings an impressive resume to the Philippine team. She guided South Korean archers to two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and an even more impressive three gold medals at the Tokyo 2021 Games. Her decision to work with the Philippines came after considering similar offers from both China and Mexico, making her choice particularly significant for the country's sports development.
The initial focus of Ryu's training program is preparing the team for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, but the partnership has much broader ambitions. If the collaboration proves successful, Ryu is expected to continue working with the Philippine team through several major international competitions.
Ambitious Medal Targets Set
During a Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, Ryu expressed confidence in the team's potential. 'In the SEA Games, we can win the medals. Also in the Asian Games, even a gold. And in the Olympics, we can get to the quarterfinals and then a medal,' she stated, outlining a clear progression path for Philippine archery.
The forum, presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and sports app ArenaPlus, heard optimistic assessments from all parties involved in the partnership.
World Archery Philippines president Bing Reaport shared his enthusiasm about the early progress. 'Hopefully we have good results in the SEA Games. Then a lot of things will happen in 2026. It will be better next year,' Reaport said, highlighting the strategic importance of immediate success.
Building a Framework for Long-Term Success
The collaboration represents more than just short-term coaching. Reaport revealed that they're looking at a 24-month contract that would involve Ryu bringing along another Korean coach to further strengthen the program. While hiring a coach of Ryu's caliber comes at significant cost, officials believe the investment is essential for achieving world-class results.
'If we want to be the best, get the best. Coach Ryu is a gift to archery in the Philippines,' Chairman Gregorio emphasized. 'We are lucky that she has chosen our country where she will give back to the sport after achieving all of her success.'
The training regimen under Ryu has been intensive, with Filipino archers training seven days a week during the first week. Reaport joked that 'pinahirapan niya ang mga archers natin' (she made our archers suffer), but quickly added that the athletes are learning valuable lessons about discipline, focus, and desire.
Gregorio assured that the World Archery Philippines can count on full support from the PSC and hopefully the private sector. 'This is the start in rebuilding the sport of archery in the Philippines – from grassroots to the elite level,' he declared. 'The direction of WAP is to develop and bring out the best because archery is natural to Filipinos.'
The partnership marks what many are calling a new beginning for Philippine archery, with exciting times ahead as the country aims to become a competitive force in international archery competitions.
