After the triathlon test event, it’s time for archery! On Sunday August 20, the final of the Archery World Cup took place at Les Invalides, the future Olympic site. A day that was sold out and saw the coronation of the young Lisa Barbelin, silver medalist in recurve bow.
From 9 a.m., a large crowd has already gathered to watch the final of the fourth round of the Archery World Cup in Paris. Less than a year from the Paris 2024 Games, the setting is idyllic, with this view of the Alexandre III bridge and the Seine for the archers and archers, with the Hôtel des Invalides in the background. The Esplanade des Invalides was transformed, for a weekend, into an archery arena where the best in the world were present for the occasion.
An air of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games reigned in the atmosphere. The two popular mascots were there to take pictures with the fans. A village of animation and exhibitors was especially present for the occasion, free and without reservation.
The opportunity for some to discover a new passion thanks to the introductory workshops offered and for others to replenish their stock thanks to the many shops set up for the weekend.
Back in pictures
A silver medal for France
The 1,500 or so spectators had the opportunity to admire or discover this Olympic discipline (75,000 members), with the coronation of Lisa Barbelin, a young 21-year-old archer. The atmosphere was there to encourage the Frenchwoman. “It’s indescribable how I feel. It was crazy to be on a podium, in front of the Eiffel Tower, at home, with Tony Estanguet giving the medal… I’m sorry, I can’t hold back my tears, but I’m super happy, it’s incredible, ”said the Parisian all moved after the award ceremony.
A successful event
An important safety device was present to allow the organization of this test event which made it possible to validate a large number of ideas as explained by Sébastien Flute, former archer gold medalist at the Barcelona Games in 1992, now responsible for archery and para-archery site for the Paris 2024 Games. “Our feeling is excellent. The World Cup, which served as a support for a few test events, went very, very well, explains the former Olympic athlete. We were able to validate a certain number of things that we only had on plan until now. It confirms our idea of having chosen the Esplanade des Invalides. »
Tony Estanguet, president of Paris 2024 also returned to the subject. “A few years ago, when we included it in our application file, we didn’t really know what it could give, but now it’s true that we are delighted to see in real life all that it could give next year. »
An event like this is organized in several parts and in several times. First there is the purely sporting aspect, with the competition field which must comply perfectly with the rules. It must then be perfect to be well integrated into the frame, here at Les Invalides.
After this part, the rest of the site must be built, with the part dedicated to spectators, the media and the federations which is just as important as the sports part. During the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there will be triathlon opposite archery and behind the Grand Palais fencing and taekwondo. Integrating the Esplanade des Invalides into all of this was one of the objectives of the weekend, as Sébastien Flute explained to us.
A site hailed by foreigners
The best athletes on the planet were present for the occasion, with the presence of their supporters to encourage them throughout the competition.
A site recognized internationally, like Marcus d’Almeida, world number one and bronze medalist in individual men. “Last year, I won gold in Paris and today bronze, I have nothing but affection for the supporters, the place and the City of Paris, it’s nothing but happiness for me,” the Olympic athlete told us.
Many delegations made the trip to support their athletes, such as the Mexican federation who came to encourage their mixed duo in the fight for the bronze medal (which will finish fourth). “The site is excellent in every way. The place is motivating for all the people who live this pre-Olympic experience and this emotion concerns everyone, both the qualified delegations and those who are not”, detailed a member of the Mexican team.
See you from July 25 on the Esplanade des Invalides to experience the competition.
2023-08-20 19:26:05
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