That may be a little easier with a squad that already includes proven performers: Olympic medallists Michelle Kroppen (Paris 2024 mixed team silver) and Charline Schwarz (Tokyo 2020 team bronze), reigning European Champion Katharina Bauer and world number 16 Elisa Tartler.
Across the board it’s a strong, consistent, quality team, but Valeeva is also tasked with guiding the next generation – like Antalya 2022 silver medallist Elina Idensen (22) and under-21 European Youth Cup bronze medallist Regina Kellerer (18) – into senior contention.
Strengthening squad depth ahead of LA28 is a key priority.
“There are high-level athletes and young athletes who want to learn to become champions,” said Valeeva. “It’s not easy to find a ‘universal language’ that works for everyone – so I’m trying to understand how to communicate mastery of the perfect shot in different ways: from the movement to the impact on the target.”
“I can say with certainty that the perfect shot does not have to weigh us down too much, so when we see it in the centre, it gives us pleasure and satisfaction.”
“I can say with certainty that the perfect shot does not have to weigh us down too much, so when we see land in the centre, it gives us pleasure and satisfaction – the same sensations as eating our favourite cake. The shooting sequence is the cake… and the impact on the target is the icing.”
Results have been modest so far in 2025. Germany’s recurve women haven’t reached the podium in any individual or team events during the first three Hyundai Archery World Cup stages – Central Florida, Shanghai and Antalya – but there have been highlights. Kroppen and Florian Unruh won bronze in the mixed team in Florida; Bauer and Unruh took silver in Antalya.
Valeeva, a two-time World Archery Champion, isn’t worried. She’s lived through six Olympic cycles and knows there’s time to build. Germany remains a consistent medalling nation – but has never won Olympic gold in archery.