Olympics-Archery-S Korea's Lim wins individual gold, French bronze

By Sheila Dang

PARIS (Reuters) -South Korea's Lim Sihyeon won gold in the women's individual archery event at the Olympics on Saturday, her third title in her first Games.

Lim's compatriot Nam Suhyeon took silver and France's Lisa Barbelin fought off South Korea's Jeon Hunyoung to claim the bronze, her country's first medal in the event bringing a wild roar from the crowd.

Lim has won the gold medal in all three of her events in Paris.

"Before the Paris Olympics, I wasn't able to sleep very well. After this match, I'll finally go to bed," she told reporters.

Weather conditions at Esplanade des Invalides varied throughout the afternoon, as overcast skies alternated with bright sun and the archers dealt with both wind and still air, forcing them to constantly adjust their aim.

In the gold medal competition, Lim and Nam were well-matched and each had one set with a perfect score. The two helped South Korea win their 10th consecutive gold medal in the women's team event earlier in the Games.

But Lim, who also won gold in the mixed team event, overtook her teammate 7-3 to win the individual title.

Spectators backing France and South Korea rivalled each other to display their support on Saturday, waving flags and banners and stomping their feet.

On winning the bronze, Barbelin's elation was evident as she raised her arms and shouted to the crowd as the spectators matched her excitement.

"I knew the semi would be difficult, that everything would be difficult, but in the end I succeeded in staying focused," she said.

(Reporting by Sheila Dang; Editing by Alison Williams and Ed Osmond)