By Paul Martin at Invalides

Megan Havers is dreaming of future Olympic glory after shining on her debut in Paris.

The 16-year-old Leicester archer was Britain’s best performer in the women’s individual competition, reaching the last 16 before being beaten by eventual champion Lim Si-hyeon.

Havers’ Korean conqueror shot a world record score in qualifying and won all three available golds in Paris following successes in the mixed and women’s team events.

South Charnwood High School pupil Havers has learned plenty from her maiden Olympic experience and is looking forward to building into the next cycle.

“I'm really proud of myself, being 16 and reaching the top-16 at the Olympics,” she said.

“It's definitely an achievement and though it’s a bit sore to lose, I can't wait to reflect on the whole thing.

“I was very nervous but I just said to myself 'make it hard for her, put up a fight'. It would have been more of a loss for her if I'd have won than it is for me.

“I didn’t shoot as well as I hoped. It was a tough match but I really enjoyed it and I can take plenty of positives from this week.”

Havers was the first Team GB athlete to compete at Paris 2024, firing the first shot at the women’s ranking round – which took place the day before the Opening Ceremony in the shadow of Napoleon's tomb at Invalides.

(Image: Sam Mellish/Team GB)

The teenager has revelled in being around some of British sport’s household names and has plenty of treasured memories to take back to Leicester.

“I had a selfie with Tom Daley and Andy Murray sent all the GB archers a good luck message, which was pretty cool,” she said.

“Being in the village with all the best athletes in the world, it definitely made me want it more.

“There are more Olympics to come, I will train for that. I have big dreams.”

Havers has been supported by Aldi’s Nearest & Dearest programme in Paris. The initiative helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world’s largest stages.

The Havers clan are extending their Parisian stay by watching the women’s diving action on Monday evening while her teammate Bryony Pitman, who also competed in Tokyo, has been a key influence.

“She's been amazing towards me,” Havers said.

“She helped me train for the Olympics, she told me how Tokyo was for her so I could prepare myself.

“Even before my (last 16) match, she came down to shoot with me so we could do a bit of head-to-head practice and help me prepare for this match.

“She's a really good team-mate.”

Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024