Areneo David
Born June 6, 1995 in Lilongwe, Malawi • Next birthday: June 6, 2026
June 6, 1995
Lilongwe, Malawi0
0 likesJune 6, 2026
216 days out7
Total visitsThe world was forever altered when Areneo David, a determined Malawian archer, introduced Malawi's presence in Olympic archery. Born on 1995-06-06 in Lilongwe, Malawi, he rose from modest beginnings to become the first athlete from his country to compete in the Olympic archery tournament at Rio 2016. Facing skepticism about his nation's archery programme, he responded by setting a disciplined training schedule and earning an Olympic Solidarity scholarship. At the 2016 Games he shot 603 points in the qualifying round and though eliminated in his first match, he triggered national pride. Consequently, he pressed on, winning a gold at a World Archery Open event in Switzerland in 2019 and securing a slot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games via tripartite invitation. Despite limited infrastructure in Malawi, he developed his technique under coach Park Young-sook and steadily improved his world ranking. Moreover, he carried his nation's flag and raised the profile of archery across Malawi and Africa. Through setbacks and institutional limitations, he built a legacy of inspiration and pathway-creation for future archers.
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Career & Achievements
- Participation as Malawi’s first Olympic archer – Rio 2016
- Qualifying score of 603 at Rio 2016 Olympics
- Gold medal at World Archery Open competition in Switzerland – 2019
- Received Olympic Solidarity scholarship – 2020
- Participation in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Personal Details
Latest News
World Archery
Coach Sally reflects on developing nations and recalls guiding Areneo David to Olympic debut
On 4 October 2024, World Archery published an in-depth piece where coach Sally Park reviews the challenges of working in emerging archery systems, including her role in guiding Areneo David to become Malawi's first Olympic archer. The article highlights infrastructure, language and cultural barriers they overcame together in Malawi.
Malawi Olympic Committee website
Areneo David exits Tokyo 2020 archery in elimination round
On 29 July 2021, the Malawi Olympic Committee reported that Areneo David lost his Round of 64 match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, bowing out 6-0 to Korea's Kim Je-Deok. The piece underscores his four years of training in Hungary prior to the Games.
Malawi Olympic Committee
Malawian archer Areneo David returns home from Switzerland amid COVID-19 disruption
On 21 March 2020, it was reported that Areneo David returned home from Switzerland via Kamuzu International Airport and entered 14-day isolation, after the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted his training. He affirmed his intention to resume intensive training once cleared.
FAQ
Who is Areneo David?
Areneo David is a professional archer from Malawi, born in 1995, who became his country's first Olympic archer.
When did Areneo David compete in the Olympics?
He competed in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games representing Malawi.
What makes Areneo David historically significant?
He was the first athlete from Malawi to participate in Olympic archery, marking a national milestone.
What are Areneo David's major achievements?
His achievements include Olympic participation and a gold medal at the 2019 World Archery Open in Switzerland.
Where was Areneo David born?
He was born in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.
Who coached Areneo David?
He trained under renowned archery coach Park Young-sook, improving his international competitiveness.
How did Areneo David qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
He qualified through a tripartite invitation and Olympic Solidarity scholarship program.
What challenges did Areneo David face?
He faced limited training facilities and funding in Malawi but overcame them through discipline and international mentorship.
What is the Olympic Solidarity scholarship?
It is a program that supports athletes from developing countries to train and qualify for the Olympic Games.
What is Areneo David's legacy?
He paved the way for future Malawian archers and inspired youth participation in sports across Africa.
Has Areneo David received any awards?
Yes, he won a gold medal at the World Archery Open in 2019 and received multiple recognitions for representing Malawi internationally.
What is Areneo David's archery style?
He specializes in the recurve bow discipline, the standard Olympic archery format.
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