The European Archery Championship, organized by the French Federation of Free Shooting (FFTL) from June 24 to July 2, took place in Confolens, Charente. Jany Larrieu represented the Archers of Estéous, the Pouyastruc club he chairs. It was not a first for this 70-year-old sportsman with a total of six gold medals in various archery events.
However, when he evokes the opening ceremony of this championship with the parade of 1100 archers from 23 countries and wearing their national jerseys, the flame burning in an Olympic cauldron throughout the duration of the events, the impressive fireworks closing, he does not hide his emotion. We don’t represent France every day!
The event takes place over 4 days of competition. On a course in the forest of about 7 km, it is a question of reaching 28 3D targets made up of foam animals ranging from martens to bears, located at distances varying from 10 to 50 meters. The accuracy of each shot awards points to the archer. Each day presents a new configuration.
“You have to be in good physical shape to walk and not be out of breath when shooting, stay calm and focused throughout the event…” Jany confides to us. He follows these sporting instructions perfectly and wins the bronze medal in the senior category. As at the last European competition in Austria, two English archers are ahead of him. Them again ! At the next international meeting in June 2023, at the World Championship, in Finland, it could be beautiful even if the remoteness of the place (2,800 km) generates a significant financial cost. Closer, the French championship will be held on August 27 and 28 in Tamniers (24).
Jany thanks its loyal sponsor, Crédit Mutuel de Tarbes and its archery club for the help provided.
