Estonian compound archer Lisell Jaatma has been named the World Games’ athlete of the month for May 2026 following her breakthrough victory at the Shanghai stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup.
“I was very happy and surprised when I got the news,” said Jaatma. “It’s always nice to be recognised and I didn’t expect it at all. I’m very grateful and honoured to receive this recognition.”
The 26-year-old secured the first individual World Cup gold medal of her career after defeating world number one Andrea Becerra of Mexico 145-144 in the compound women’s final in China.
The victory carried additional significance as it marked Jaatma’s first win over Becerra, who had beaten the Estonian in the compound women’s final at the World Games 2025 in Chengdu.
Jaatma’s success in Shanghai completed an emotional return to the top level of international archery after health struggles interrupted her 2025 season. Following the Hyundai World Archery Championships in Gwangju, she stepped away from competition for several months to prioritise physical and mental recovery before returning at the start of 2026.
“I’m still speechless, honestly,” she said after winning gold in Shanghai. “I need some time to think about what just happened.”
The Shanghai gold also secured Jaatma qualification for the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Saltillo.
“I think everybody wants to win and come home with gold, and before this I only had silver and bronze medals,” she added. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, so it means a lot to me. It’s definitely a very special medal.”
Jaatma previously won compound women’s silver at last year’s World Games and remains one of the leading figures in Estonian compound archery alongside her brother Robin Jaatma.
The International World Games Association’s athlete of the month award recognises standout performances across sports featured in The World Games programme.