Par Chris Ferreira
Published on
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“It’s a family sport where we all stick together. It’s a great way to unwind. »
that is how Mathilde Vasseur, departmental and regional champion last year in archery, but also licensed in Nogent-le-Rotrou, describes her favorite sporting activity.
She was present during the 34th edition of the sports awards.
Meeting with this 18-year-old young woman.
A “quite special” discovery
Archery, the Percheronne in practice for five years. And the discovery of this sporting discipline was “quite special”.
The young sportswoman recounts: “my parents run the FFS Lorenove company in Nogent-le-Rotrou. One of their clients who practiced archery had asked them if they would agree to sponsor the club. » Which they accepted.
After which, they were offered to try shooting the bow. “On this occasion, they brought me with them. And that’s how the regional champion archery discovered this sporting universe.
“But I didn’t get hooked immediately,” she insists. At first, she told herself that this sport was not for her. “But gradually, I noticed that I wasn’t doing too badly and that I was able to shoot correctly. And I ended up finding it nice, ”she smiles.
And finally, the day she invested in a carbon recurve bow, she really hooked. “I discovered another working method. I was more specific. And it eventually became a “drug.” So much so that the Eurélienne practiced it up to four times a week. “If I could have done it seven days a week, I would have done it. »
Lots of benefits
The advantages of this discipline are many. Starting with the framework in which she trains.
We find this family aspect. Archers from other clubs come to help you if there is a problem. Some of my opponents have become friends. We form a big family within the club but also throughout the Eurelian department.
This favorable framework allowed him to glean titles and medals. She thus finished first among young people and was crowned departmental and regional champion. A pride for his club.
There are several bows
You most certainly know the expression “to have several strings to your bow”. Know, for the record, that there are several kinds of bows. “We have carbon classics. Which are equipped with stabilization and a viewfinder. There is also the pulley one. “They are very special. Their viewfinder is like a magnifying glass. They are much more precise which also increases their power tenfold. Not forgetting bare bows. “We do nature shooting. »
But there is another point that the young adult wishes to raise. “The competitions allowed me to let off steam, to forget everything that was happening around me. I overcame myself. In short, this sport was life-saving for him. “I learned to manage my stress. “Behind this very calm and calm appearance hides a “very stressed” person.
Archery is the best sport to learn how to channel all that.
And to achieve this, she has her method. “I focus on what I’m doing. I don’t look at anyone and I lock myself in in my bubble. »
Some frustration
Even if this activity has become a passion, the Percheronne never considered making it her job. “I never thought of that. I want it to stay fun. “Which does not want to be tired.
However, today, Mathilde Vasseur can no longer practice as much as she would like. The fault of his studies vet preparation In Nantes. And she’s not afraid to say it. The Percheronne feels a real lack. ” Frustrationis the right word,” she concedes.
And this feeling, she already felt it a few years ago. “During the Covid-19 period, I was unable to shoot for a year. »
So she tries to project herself. “After my studies, I will reconnect with my passion. I found my family here. And even if she won’t be able to practice much in 2023, she intends to “shoot everything she can aim for”. His opponents are warned.
She even tries to project herself: “after my course, I will resume competition”.
A real sport
By the way, she takes the opportunity to respond to those who allege that it is not a sport. “It’s a recurring remark. I’ve often been told that I don’t build muscle when I do,” she recalls. “Sport is not not just cardio. It is not enough to chase the ball to play sports. In archery, I have to be stable. For this, it is necessary to contract the legs. And she assures that by dint of practicing, she has seen her body metamorphose. “My shoulders and my arms have developed”, assures the champion.
She does not forget to remember that there are certain gestures to master. And all of this requires some preparation and concentration.
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