Natalia Valeeva - Italy

Natalia Valeeva, 34, has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in modern archery. Her success has come across the different styles of events in archery. She has been world outdoor champion (1995), world indoor champion (1991, 1999, 2001), European champion (2002), and has spent many weeks as the number one ranked archer in the world.

Valeeva also has a most unique Olympic record. This is her fourth Games, and at her first three she competed for a different nation each time. In 1992 she won a bronze medal in the individual and a bronze medal in the team event for the Unified Team; in 1996 she placed 12th in the individual for Moldova; and in 2000 she was seventh in the individual and seventh in the team event for Italy.

She is again representing Italy in Athens, this time as its only women’s representative. Valeeva married an Italian archer after the Atlanta Olympics and now has a son. The family now lives in Modena.

Her ability is matched by her consistency. Valeeva rarely finishes outside the top 10 at major events. At the past two world championships, she placed sixth in 2003 and ninth in 2001.