At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a new standard was set in the sport of archery. A young athlete from Gwangju, South Korea, achieved what no other archer had before.
She captured three gold medals in a single Olympics. Her victories came in the women’s individual, women’s team, and mixed team events.
This incredible feat announced her as a true champion on the world’s biggest stage. Her performance was not just about winning; it was about precision.
She began her historic run by setting a new Olympic Record. In the Women’s Individual Ranking Round, she scored 680 points, breaking a record that had stood for 25 years.
Her journey to the podium was built on discipline and talent. She represents her hometown with pride, competing professionally for Gwangju Bank.
This archer’s story is one of focus and historic achievement. Her collection of gold medals from that summer defines a legendary career moment.
An San’s Meteoric Rise in Archery
The trajectory from promising youth competitor to Olympic champion began in Argentina. A 16-year-old archer first tasted international success there.
Early Career and World Archery Youth Championships
Her debut on the global stage came at the 2017 World Archery Youth Championships. Competing in Rosario, she earned a medal in the mixed team event.
This achievement signaled her arrival within South Korea’s dominant archery program. The performance showcased her potential against international competition.
Breakthrough at the International Debut
The transition to senior events happened quickly. At the 2019 Archery World Cup in Berlin, she delivered a stunning debut.
She captured gold in both the women’s individual and mixed team events. Adding bronze in the women’s team competition completed a rare trifecta.
Her 2020 performance further cemented her status. Scoring 1400 points in the WA 1440 Round placed her among only three recurve archers to reach that benchmark.
This rapid ascent compressed years of development into a short timeframe. By Tokyo 2020, she stood ready for Olympic glory.
An San’s Record-Breaking Triumphs
Three gold medals in three different events—this was the historic tally for one archer at the Tokyo Games. No one had ever achieved this triple crown in Olympic archery before.
Historic Triple Gold at the Tokyo Olympics
Her first gold came with the women’s team. Alongside Jang Min-hee and Kang Chae-young, they secured victory, continuing their nation’s dominance.
The new mixed team event delivered another top prize. Partnering with Kim Je-deok, she claimed gold. Their semifinal match featured an incredible shot.
An’s arrow struck and split Kim’s arrow already in the target. This “Robin Hood” moment became an instant symbol of precision. The International Olympic Committee preserved the arrows for display.
The individual event completed the set. She defeated Russia’s Elena Osipova for the third gold medal. This final victory sealed her unique place in history.
Setting New Olympic Records and Milestones
Before the elimination rounds, she set a new Olympic Record. Her score of 680 points in the ranking round broke a 25-year-old record.
This near-perfect score across 72 arrows established her technical command. The three gold medals showcased remarkable versatility under extreme pressure.
Her performance across all events defined a new benchmark for the sport. It was a triumph of consistency and nerve.
High-Stakes International Battles and Dramatic Moments
The pressure of international competition brought both dramatic victories and painful setbacks. Each tournament tested her skills and mental fortitude.
Thrilling Finishes at World Cup Finals
Her first World Cup Final title came in 2022 at Tlaxcala. She established herself as a consistent performer beyond Olympic glory.
Three years later, the Nanjing World Cup Final delivered incredible drama. A judge’s magnifying glass changed the outcome mid-celebration.
What appeared to be victory became a sudden-death shoot-off. Her final arrow landed as an eight, securing the title when her opponent scored seven.
Competitive Rivalries and Home Crowd Pressure
The 2025 World Championships in Gwangju brought intense hometown pressure. Expectations ran dangerously high before her home crowd.
She held a commanding 4-0 lead in the semifinals against teammate Kang Chae-young. The advantage evaporated as Kang stormed back to win 6-4.
The loss denied her a gold medal match on home soil. She settled for bronze in the individual event, a result that taught valuable lessons.
Overcoming Adversity and Online Backlash
Beyond competition, she faced online harassment targeting her appearance and education. The criticism sparked a solidarity movement across South Korea.
Women adopted her hairstyle to challenge the misogynistic attacks. The most significant setback came when she failed to qualify for Paris 2024.
Elimination in national trials marked a crushing disappointment. It forced her to confront burnout and reassess her approach to the sport.
| Year | Event | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | World Cup Final Tlaxcala | Gold | First circuit title |
| 2025 | World Cup Final Nanjing | Gold | Dramatic shoot-off victory |
| 2025 | World Championships Gwangju | Bronze | Semifinal collapse under pressure |
| 2024 | Olympic Trials | Eliminated | Failed to qualify for Paris |
Looking Forward: Shaping the Legacy of a Champion
After the disappointment of missing Paris 2024, a necessary pause reshaped her approach to the sport. The break allowed physical growth and equipment adjustments, including longer arrows for her increased height.
She returned to world archery competition at the 2025 World Championships in Gwangju. The women’s team prioritized winning a team event before their home crowd. An San delivered gold in the mixed team event and bronze medals in both individual and women’s team competitions.
When asked about future Olympics, she focused instead on long-term legacy. The champion wants to be remembered as an athlete who contributed to the sport’s growth. Her journey now embodies resilience beyond medals.
