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Jamaica’s Young Archer Isabel Chin Aims for Glory at World Youth Championships
Written by Khimani Clarke - Contributor. Posted in Other Sports. | 08 June 2025 | 1323 Views
Tags: Archery, Isabel Chin

Thirteen-year-old Jamaican archer Isabel Chin is preparing for the biggest test of her young career - the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg, Canada from August 16-24.  It’s a bold step for the Kingston native who, less than a year into formal training, is already set to represent her country on the global stage.

“I am hoping to gain experience from this, observe the logistics involved in transporting my bow overseas, make friends, and of course, represent my country to the best of my abilities,” she tells Sportsmax.TV in an exclusive interview earlier this week.

The event will mark Isabel’s debut at a major international championship, and while the pressure may be great, her approach remains grounded in routine, preparation, and perspective.

“The key is to always stay calm because stressing always makes you sick and think ahead,” she explained. “So that means thinking about the times you have the most energy and capitalizing on them, as well as looking at all your deadlines and planning to meet each one.”

Her advice to fellow young athletes is succinct. “Stay calm. Nothing will happen under stress!”

Isabel’s rise has been rapid. She first picked up a bow in October 2023, and by the following year, had already claimed the Women’s Recurve Doubles title at the Caribbean Developmental Championships.

“It was a bit intimidating knowing I would compete against others in the Caribbean and USA region. But I had to get a lot stronger both mentally and physically,” she explained.

Before discovering archery, Isabel tried racquet sports like badminton and tennis but didn’t take to them. She eventually tried kickboxing, where she found something she enjoyed—a discipline that remains part of her weekly routine today.

Her introduction to archery came from a mix of digital inspiration and Olympic imagery.

“I'm not sure what exactly inspired me to start archery, but I remember always thinking that combat sports look cool, especially from a game called Minecraft,” she revealed. “However, it was probably when I saw archery in the 2020 Olympics that I started asking my mom monthly to let me do archery.”

Isabel trains with Christoph Ellis at the Jamaica Rifle Association (JRA) on Wednesdays and Fridays, and with Kristoff Street, the Olympic team coach for Jamaica, on Saturdays and Sundays at the UWI Bowl, where she focuses on running longer distances.

As a student at Campion College, Isabel is able to balance her academic responsibilities with her athletic ambitions. She credits her coaches for sharpening her skills and appreciates the structure and support that allow her to maintain focus on both.

Isabel’s mother, Shalane Lee, is an avid supporter and a member of the skeet club and shooting community. And, as an only child, Isabel has benefitted from the focus and stability that come with such dedicated backing.

With the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships fast approaching, Isabel remains intent on acquiring valuable experience, forging new connections, and proudly wearing Jamaica’s colours on the world stage. Her journey, marked by quiet discipline and an unshakeable mindset, is just beginning—but already, she is aiming high.