Disappointment today, promises for tomorrow: the results of the two young archers from AC Nîmes competing in the Indoor World Series (Indoor World Cup) in Taiwan.

Frustration mingled with promise for the young archers from Nîmes this weekend in Taipei. At the 3rd stage of the Indoor World Series in Taiwan, AC Nîmes representatives Victoria Sébastian and Baptiste Addis faced early exits despite demonstrating exceptional skill.

Baptiste Addis, the 18-year-old prodigy from Gard, entered the elimination rounds with high expectations after a majestic 3rd-place qualifying performance, trailing only two South Koreans. The world No. 11 and team silver medalist at the Paris Olympics seemed poised for a favorable matchup.

Olympic Medalist Baptiste Addis Edged Out by Millimeters

Fate, however, had other plans. Addis drew Mauro Nespoli, the world no. 8 and individual silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Despite Nespoli’s lackluster qualifying performance (30th),he rediscovered his form when it mattered most.

Addis and Nespoli engaged in a thrilling duel, delivering the 16th-highest score of the tournament. The tension was palpable as they matched each other shot for shot: 30-30, 30-30, 29-29, 30-30, 30-30. A tiebreaker was needed to determine the victor.

Both archers fired a perfect 10, but Nespoli’s arrow landed a mere two millimeters closer to the center, cruelly eliminating Addis. “A disappointment,” acknowledged Olivier Grillat, technical director of ACN, “but to maintain such a level at 18 is superb!” Adding salt to the wound, Nespoli went on to win the entire event, defeating the Korean archer Ku in the final.

Victoria Sébastian achieves Second-Best French Qualifying Score

Victoria Sébastian, 20, shared a similar feeling of unfulfilled potential. She delivered a stellar qualifying performance, scoring 592 out of a possible 600 points.

This feat marked “the second-best french performance of all time,” according to Grillat. Sébastian dispatched Taiwanese archer Yi Chin chen in the 16th round with a commanding 7-1 victory.

However, the Languedocian archer experienced a slight dip in form in the round of 16, succumbing to the korean Bang with a score of 6-2.

Eyes on the Nîmes tournament

Despite the setbacks in Taiwan, the future remains bright for these young talents.Both archers promptly resumed training, setting their sights on the Nîmes tournament from January 17 to 19.

The Nîmes tournament promises a rematch against the world’s elite, providing Addis and Sébastian with an opportunity to showcase their skills and prove they can compete with the very best.

Exclusive Interview: Mark Thompson Debates Young Archers’ World Series Performance – Insights & Controversies!

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Moderator: welcome, sports fans, to today’s in-depth analysis! We’re diving into the recent performance of two young archers, Victoria Sébastian and Baptiste Addis, at the Indoor World Series in Taiwan. Joining me today is Mark Thompson,a true sports aficionado. Mark, welcome!

Mark Thompson: Thanks for having me! Always a pleasure to dissect the nuances of competitive sport.

Moderator: Mark, for our audience, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a student of the game. You’ve followed archery for years, even writing a series on rising stars in the sport. Your insights are always razor-sharp.Now, let’s talk Taiwan. The reports suggest a mix of disappointment and promise for Sébastian and Addis. Based on what you saw, is that a fair assessment?

Mark Thompson: Absolutely. “Disappointment and promise” is a very apt summary. You’ve got Addis,an Olympic silver medalist at such a young age,qualifying third brimming with potential. Then, bam, he runs into Mauro Nespoli – a Tokyo Olympic silver medalist himself – in an early round, and loses by millimeters. Millimeters! That’s brutal. As for Sébastian,she puts up the second-best French qualifying score ever and then falters slightly against a Korean opponent. So yes, disappointment, undoubtedly.

Moderator: Let’s drill down on Addis’s loss. Losing by two millimeters after matching an Olympic medalist shot-for-shot—that’s agonizing. Olivier Grillat, the technical director, praised Addis for maintaining such a high level at 18. But is that enough? Should we expect more given his previous Olympic success?

Mark Thompson: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? On one hand, Grillat is right. Addis is only 18! To compete at that level against a seasoned veteran like Nespoli is phenomenal. But… and this is a big but…the Olympics set the bar incredibly high. silver in Paris paints a target on his back. People expect him to consistently perform at an elite level. Losing in the early rounds, even by millimeters, is going to sting.

Moderator: I agree. The Olympics reshaped expectations. But let’s consider Nespoli’s trajectory. He qualified 30th! Many would have written him off. Does Addis bear some responsibility for underestimating him perhaps?

Mark Thompson: Now that’s a spicy take! I don’t think it’s about underestimation per se. It’s about the unpredictable nature of archery. Nespoli clearly found something in the elimination rounds – maybe he adjusted his equipment, maybe he just mentally clicked. Great athletes can elevate their game when it matters most. Addis shot incredibly well—their duel produced the 16th highest score of the entire event! Sometimes, you just run into a buzzsaw. Consider, too, the psychological weight on Addis. He knew Nespoli was dangerous, regardless of qualifying position. That pressure can be crippling.

Moderator: Fair point. It’s easy to look at qualifying scores and make assumptions, but the elimination rounds are a different beast entirely. Nespoli’s eventual victory further emphasizes that. It’s a valuable lesson in sports: never underestimate your opponent. Let’s flip the coin and discuss Victoria Sébastian. Second-best French qualifying score ever! That’s an outstanding achievement. But then she loses in the round of 16. What went wrong? Was it nerves, fatigue, or simply a superior opponent?

Mark Thompson: I think it’s a combination, really. Seoul archers are known for their exceptional form. The details are scant in this article so it’s challenging for me to say definitely. Though, if she continued strongly throughout, then it would, ultimately, be a superior opponent.Also, remember that mental pressure. Qualifying well can be a double-edged sword. Suddenly, there’s increased expectation, both from herself and from others. if she is inexperienced, it’s easy to become complacent. Or conversely, to be too focused on winning rather of simply executing her technique. It’s a delicate balance. I would want to know the metrics on her performance. Did her arrows group differently? what was her execution time on each arrow? A dip in form is frequently enough more complex than simply “nerves.”

Moderator: Right,the mental game in archery is paramount as with any sport. One slight waver can cost victory.This brings us nicely to the upcoming Nîmes tournament. The article highlights it as an possibility for redemption, a chance to prove themselves against the world’s elite. Is this realistic? can they bounce back so quickly?

Mark Thompson: Absolutely! A short memory is crucial in elite sport. they need to analyse what happened in Taiwan, learn from it, and then put it behind them. The Nîmes tournament is essentially a home game for them. The support of the crowd,the familiar surroundings – that can make a huge difference. The other advantage is that they are back with their team and training unit.That’s invaluable.The article highlights that they went promptly back to training in preparation. I would expect them to have reviewed their performance and have re-evaluated their targets and focus areas immediately.

Moderator: So, you are expecting stronger performances from both, then?

mark Thompson: I am cautiously optimistic. Archery is so unpredictable. A gust of wind, a momentary lapse in concentration… But both clearly have the talent and the potential to compete at the highest level. The Nîmes tournament will be a crucial test of their mental fortitude, their ability to bounce back from disappointment and to perform under pressure. It will also indicate whether the coaches in their camp and team can definitely help them take that next step. What is undeniable is that they will gain valuable experience that will push them to be stronger players.

Moderator: You’ve touched on a point I wanted to specifically ask you about. We see so often reports of young athletes experiencing burn-out or mental health difficulties due to the intensity of competition; so what is important in ensuring these young athletes are both supported as athletes and as people?

Mark Thompson: this is a vital point. Burnout is a real threat, especially with athletes like Addis who achieve success so young. It’s all about balance. Intense training is vital, but they need to prioritize mental and physical rest. They need hobbies and interests outside of archery. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, so they need strong support networks – family, friends, coaches, maybe even a sports psychologist. Most importantly, they need to learn to enjoy the process, not just focus on the outcome. Losing by millimeters, as Addis did, is heartbreaking, but it shouldn’t define him. It should motivate him.

Moderator: It’s a very human aspect of sports that often gets overlooked. The pressure cooker environment can be incredibly tough. Building a strong and balanced support structure is essential. Mark, thanks for sharing your expert insights. The viewpoint you bring is incredibly valuable.

Mark Thompson: My pleasure.Always happy to talk archery!

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Moderator: That was Mark Thompson, giving us a engaging look into the world of competitive archery and the challenges faced by young athletes.

Now, we want to hear from you!

do you agree with Mark Thompson on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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