Just from wanting to be an athlete of any sort, Muntyan is now also a foundational figure in both her own family and her adopted one in the Virgin Islands. Kevin D’Amour, secretary general of the national federation, called her “constantly giving back” to the island.
She has now injected herself into a different role in the sport, a more charitable one focused on helping others.
Her appearance in Central Florida reflected more than just a return to the competition field – it was a reminder that Muntyan’s archery journey continues, not despite her age, but alongside it.
“A lot of top archers, when they’re done with the professionals, they’ll do another type of job or have a family, but they are always a pro inside,” explained Muntyan, when asked why she continues to compete alongside coaching.
“You need to always keep working, but also take some breaks. Because if you over-practise, if you overdo it, you’ll probably find your limit. I see athletes practising a lot and it’s good – they need to because they’re young.”
“But if you’re getting older you need to choose the right things with the balance between not overdoing it, making yourself tired and making mistakes.”
It may be another year before we see her competing again in a major event, but whether on the shooting line or the coaching line, Tatyana Muntyan is far from done, at 57.
“Nothing in this life is stable; we’re always moving forward,” she concluded. “When you go on this vortex, you will find what is best for you.”
Content images courtesy of Tatyana Muntyan.
