Coach Park Young-Sook Bhutan Archery Federation

Coach Park Youngsook
Bhutan Archery Federation

The media team from the Bhutan Olympic Committee had the privilege of sitting down with Coach Park Youngsook over a casual cup of coffee. What was meant to be a simple conversation quickly turned into something far more profound. As she spoke, we found ourselves completely captivated, hanging onto every word, eager for her to share more. Her journey wasn’t just inspiring—it was a story of passion and an unwavering love for the sport. We didn’t want to interrupt; we just wanted to listen, to soak in every detail of the incredible life she has lived.

Coach Park Youngsook, affectionately known as Sally, has poured her heart and soul into archery. From a young girl in South Korea, mesmerized by the sight of an archer’s bow, to an internationally renowned coach shaping champions, her life has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has carried her love for the sport across continents, guiding athletes, breaking barriers, and leaving an indelible mark on every team she has led.

Before diving into our conversation with Coach Park Youngsook, it’s impossible not to take a moment to appreciate her extraordinary journey.

Park Youngsook Timeline

1960

Born in South Korea (Aug 4).

1973

Joined South Korean national archery team.

1979

Team gold, World Championships (Berlin)

1981

Team silver, World Championships (Punta Ala).

1982

Team gold, Asian Games (New Delhi).

1984

Competed in Olympics (17th individual).

1987

Retired due to injury.

2007

Became international archery judge.

2009–2010

Coached Singapore/Italy teams; led Italy to 2011 gold.

2016

Mentored Malawi’s first Olympic archer (Rio).

2021

Karma (Bhutan) competed in women’s individual archery at Tokyo Olympics.

2024

Lam Dorji (Bhutan) competed in men’s category at Paris Olympics.

In recognition of her contributions to the sport, she was honored with the World Archery Women’s Award in 2017—a testament to her enduring impact on the archery world.

“The Women’s Award went to Park Young-Sook of Korea, a former international archer and coach who has dedicated her life to developing the sport globally, including in Singapore, Italy and Malawi.”

World Archery Official News Release (December 18, 2017):
“World Archery Awards 2017 winners announced”
The article confirms Park Young-Sook as the recipient of the Women’s Award for her contributions to archery as a coach and judge.
Link: https://worldarchery.sport/news/163940/world-archery-awards-2017-winners-announced

Born on August 4, 1960, in South Korea, Park Youngsook’s love for archery sparked during her middle school years. She was drawn to the sport from the moment she saw it, and despite receiving little support from her family, her determination never wavered. By 1973, her relentless dedication earned her a spot on the South Korean national team, setting the stage for an illustrious athletic career.

Park’s association with Bhutan began in 2018 when she was appointed head coach of the Bhutan Archery Federation. Despite a brief hiatus to work at the World Archery Excellence Centre in Switzerland, she returned to Bhutan in July 2022 to continue her coaching endeavors. Under her guidance, Bhutanese archers achieved significant milestones:

2021: Karma represented Bhutan in the women’s individual archery event at the Tokyo Olympics.
2024: Lam Dorji competed in the men’s category at the Paris Olympics.

Coach Park Young-Sook’s legacy in archery is adorned with countless achievements, both as an athlete and a coach. Her impact on Bhutanese archery was particularly evident at the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal, where her athletes made history—Kinley Tshering secured a silver medal in the men’s individual event, while Sonam Dema took silver and Karma earned bronze in the women’s individual category. Bhutan’s men’s and women’s teams also claimed bronze, marking a significant milestone for the country. But her influence extends far beyond Bhutan. From 2009 to 2012, during her tenure as Singapore’s coach, she guided a young Singaporean archer to win bronze in the mixed team event at the 1st Youth Olympic Games. As an athlete herself, Park competed in the World Archery Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983, securing silver in 1981 while contributing to her team’s gold medals in 1979 and 1983—though she humbly admits she wasn’t the main archer. Despite her remarkable contributions, her government pension reflects only 50% of the standard amount, a disparity she quietly accepts. However, one of her proudest moments remains the 1982 Singapore Asian Archery Championships, where she dominated the competition, bringing home an astonishing six gold medals—a feat that underscores her undeniable brilliance in the sport.

Park expressed a deep affinity for Bhutan, likening it to her homeland and appreciating the unwavering support from the Bhutan Archery Federation and the Bhutan Olympic Committee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated her solidarity by donating to the Prime Minister’s office.

Every archer who has trained under Park will tell you the same thing—she is more than just a coach. Words often fall short in describing the immense respect and love her students have for her.

She doesn’t just teach archery techniques; she instills:

Discipline – Teaching her students that success is built on consistent effort and strong work ethics.
Resilience – Helping them overcome failures and come back stronger.
Confidence – Encouraging them to believe in their potential, both on and off the field.

Her archers often say:
“Coach Sally is not just our coach; she is our second mother, our biggest supporter, and our inspiration.“

Despite limited resources and infrastructure challenges, Park has helped refine the skills of Bhutanese archers, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

When asked about Bhutan’s future in archery, she remains hopeful, saying, “I see so many young archers with great potential. With the right training and opportunities, they can become the future stars of international archery.“

A Life of Cherished Memories

When reminiscing about her career, Park holds her time in Malawi close to her heart. “I still cherish my moment in Malawi and the stories behind it,” she says with a warm smile.

Now, as her contract nears its end, she is contemplating future opportunities but remains open to continuing her mission in Bhutan.

“I am deeply thankful to all my colleagues, past and present, at the Bhutan Archery Federation. My archers, and everyone who has played a role in uplifting archery and other sports—I owe everything to you,” she says in gratitude.

Her ultimate legacy? To leave behind a stronger, more confident generation of Bhutanese archers—a legacy of passion, perseverance, and love for the sport.