Brazilian archer Ane Marcelle dos Santos made history this weekend by winning gold in the women’s individual recurve at the 2024 Pan American Archery Championships in Medellín, Colombia, securing a direct qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With the victory, Ane becomes the first Brazilian woman to qualify for three consecutive Olympic Games in archery, having previously competed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Her performance not only showcased elite-level focus and technique, but also confirmed her status as one of the most experienced and decorated archers in South America.
Golden Performance in Medellín
Ane faced tough competition from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including reigning Pan Am champion Alejandra Valencia. In the semifinals, she edged out Colombia’s Ana María Rendón in a tight 6–4 set match, before dominating the final against American Casey Kaufhold with a 6–2 score.
In the final, Ane shot three consecutive 10s in the third set, igniting cheers from Brazilian staff and local fans alike. She remained composed throughout, using her signature deep breathing technique before each arrow.
After the win, she said:
“This medal carries a lot of emotion. It’s not just about going to Paris — it’s about proving to myself that consistency, patience, and love for this sport make anything possible.”
A Career Defined by Resilience
Ane Marcelle first rose to prominence during the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she reached the Round of 16 and became the face of Brazilian archery. Her Tokyo campaign was marked by fierce early-round duels and a narrow elimination in the second round.
Now 30, Ane has embraced a leadership role on Brazil’s national team, mentoring younger archers and helping to modernize Brazil’s approach to training — incorporating sports psychology, biomechanics analysis, and virtual simulations into her routine.
Coach Evandro Azevedo, who has trained Ane since 2015, called her Medellín performance:
“The most complete version of Ane we’ve ever seen — physically ready, mentally locked in, and emotionally present.”
Road to Paris: Focus and Preparation
With her Olympic berth secured, Ane Marcelle will now enter a tailored preparation cycle aimed at peak performance in Paris, where Olympic archery will take place on the esplanade of Les Invalides, one of the most scenic and high-pressure settings in Games history.
Her preparation will include:
- Altitude training in Bolivia
- European competition circuit stops in Germany and Italy
- Simulated Olympic matches with crowd noise and variable wind conditions
- Mindfulness training and performance visualization with the Brazilian Olympic Committee’s elite mental coaching unit
Growing Archery in Brazil
Ane’s success is having a ripple effect on the sport nationwide. The Brazilian Archery Confederation (CBTARCO) has reported a 40% increase in youth archery program enrollment over the last year, driven largely by social media coverage of her tournaments and community visits.
She also launched a personal project, “Flecha Forte” (Strong Arrow), which supports archery equipment access and mentorship for young girls in Rio’s public schools.
In her words:
“Archery taught me discipline and purpose. I want to share that with every girl who thinks she’s too quiet or too unsure to be strong.”
Conclusion: Precision, Purpose, and Paris
Ane Marcelle dos Santos’s gold medal in Medellín is more than a personal victory — it’s a milestone for Brazilian archery, women in sport, and the power of perseverance. As she aims for Paris 2024, she carries the experience of two Olympics, the confidence of a champion, and the dreams of a nation ready to see her soar.