Meet the armless Paralympics archer, 17, who went viral after taking the perfect bullseye using just her feet

Paralympic archer Sheetal Devi has become a star at this summer’s Olympic Games, defying all expectations by scoring a perfect bullseye using only her feet to win bronze in Paris.

The Indian athlete is the only participant in the event without arms. His technique in a sport that requires the utmost precision and concentration is both mesmerizing and inspiring.

First she lifts the arrow into place with her right foot, then with the same foot she lifts the bow, which is balanced on her left knee.

By now the instrument is in line with her face and Devi, closing her left eye in an expression of pure concentration, tries to perfectly align the projectile with the target, which stands imposingly 70 meters away.

A moment of silence, a deep sigh and then, a split second later, an abrupt release, causing the arrow to sink inevitably into the board.

First she lifts the arrow into place with her right foot, then she lifts the bow, which was balanced on her left knee, with the same foot.

She has now surpassed her previous impressive performances with a historic bronze in Paris with teammate Rakesh Kumar (left) in the mixed event

The only person in the arena who is not surprised by this exhausting and seemingly perilous display is Devi. Over the past 18 months she has experienced tremendous growth in her sport, culminating in Paralympic glory.

The Indian athlete won silver at the Para Archery World Championships last year and also bagged two golds and one silver at the 2023 Asian Para Games.

But now she has surpassed all those impressive achievements with a historic bronze in Paris, together with her teammate Rakesh Kumar, in the mixed event.

What makes it even more impressive is the fact that she is only 17 and competing in the Games for the first time.

Understandably, her podium finish drew praise from high-profile figures, including Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who “heartily congratulated” Devi.

“Their combined success is an inspiring example of dedication and coordinated efforts. Both are inspiring athletes from whom our youth can learn a lot,” she posted on social media.

Leading Indian businessman Anand Mahindra added: “Exceptional courage, dedication and a never-give-up spirit are not linked to medals…

‘Sheetal Devi, you are a beacon of inspiration for the country – and the world.’

Meanwhile, Welsh footballer Hal Robson-Kanu posted: ‘Sheetal Devi hit the bull’s eye for Team India at the Paralympic Games

‘She is the first female archer without upper limbs to hold an international title.

‘Greatness is not the absence of obstacles, but the ability to overcome them.’

The archer was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes the limbs to not fully develop and the arms to not fully form.

The Indian athlete climbed trees as a child to improve her upper body strength, reports Olympics.com, and it certainly shows in the effective maneuver she uses to fire her arrows.

A moment of silence, a deep sigh and then, a split second later, a sharp release that sends the arrow inevitably sinking into the board

What makes it even more impressive is the fact that she is only 17 and is appearing at the Games for the first time.

The archer was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that results in underdeveloped limbs

Speaking before the Games, she said: ‘Every time I see the medals I’ve won, I feel inspired to win more. I’ve only just begun.’

Two men with no arms are competing in Paralympic archery this summer, but Devi is the only woman with the condition. Before winning bronze in the mixed event, she impressed in the individual event by shooting a perfect bullseye.

The clip of this remarkable feat went viral, garnering over 60 million views, but it took just a few days for this achievement to be surpassed after her stunning medal on Monday.