Young Archers Shine at Nîmes Qualifying Tournament
The Assomption archery complex in Nîmes was abuzz with activity last weekend as nineteen clubs from Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur competed in a qualifying tournament for the regional and national championships. The event, hosted by the Arc club de Nîmes, showcased notable talent, particularly among the younger archers.
The renovated and improved facilities, thanks to the City of Nîmes, were well-received by all participants.
Several young archers delivered performances worthy of national recognition, setting their sights on the French Championships in Agen next February.
Standout performers included Lucas Choplain Gines (Manduel) in the U13 category with an impressive 539 points. Louen Jeanperrin Michel (Nîmes) and Selena Chessa (Manduel) dominated the U15 category, scoring 544 and 570 points respectively. Estelle Luzet Choteau (Nîmes) and Noham Bekhoukh (Nîmes) secured top spots in the U18 category with scores of 556 and 546 points.
In contrast,the senior categories saw a less competitive field,with scores primarily at the regional level. The absence of many top-ranked archers from Gard was noticeable.
Despite this, several archers emerged victorious in their respective categories. Elliot Pacull (Nîmes) triumphed in U11,while Louise Jaymond (Manduel) and Lucas Choplain Gines (Manduel) shared the U13 title. Selena Chessa (Manduel) and Louen Jeanperrin Michel (Nîmes) dominated the U15 category. Estelle Luzet Choteau and Noham bekhoukh, both from AC Nîmes, secured victory in the U18 category. Zia Trincaretto Antunes (Manduel) and Hadrien Gerbaulet Hazard (Montpellier) took the top spots in U21.
In the senior categories, Esmei Diombo (Nîmes) and Nicolas Cerpedes (Manduel) emerged victorious. Anna Sandri (Pont-Saint-Esprit) and Philippe Fappiano (Nîmes) claimed victory in seniors 2, while the Pellegrinato family dominated seniors 3 with Catherine and Jean-Christophe securing wins.
The compound bow competition saw Angel Jambert (Lunel) take the senior title. Audrey Giboulet (Nîmes) and Fabrice Michel (Langlade) triumphed in seniors 2. Nicole Meylan (Saint-Christol-lès-Alès) and Michel Jim Tran-Van (Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès) rounded out the winners in seniors 3.
Archery enthusiasts can look forward to the next regional qualifying tournament in Nîmes, scheduled for December 7th and 8th.
Young Archers Hitting the Mark in Nîmes: A Q&A with Retired Olympians Jean-Christophe Pellegrinato
The recent qualifying tournament at the Assomption archery complex in Nîmes showcased a burst of talent, particularly among the younger generations. This exciting display of youthful skill has sparked a conversation about the future of French archery. To gain insight into this burgeoning talent pool, we sat down with retired Olympic archer jean-Christophe Pellegrinato, a veteran of three Olympic Games and a true titan of the sport.
Moderator: Félicitations on your notable career, Jean-christophe. The Nîmes tournament results highlighted some undeniable stars in the making. What was your initial reaction to seeing such high scores from archers as young as 11 years old?
Jean-Christophe Pellegrinato:
It’s truly inspiring to see such dedication and accuracy at such a young age. Thes scores are a testament to the talent being nurtured in our region. The U13 and U15 categories were particularly impressive, with archers like Lucas Choplain Gines, Louen Jeanperrin Michel, and Selena Chessa setting the bar incredibly high.
Moderator: Absolutely, their performance puts seasoned archers to shame! Many are already looking ahead to the French Championships in Agen next February. Can you share your thoughts on their chances of reaching the podium?
Jean-Christophe Pellegrinato:
It wouldn’t surprise me if we see a few of these young talents making waves at the national level. Though, the French Championships are fiercely competitive. The pressure will be immense, and they’ll need to maintain focus and consistency under intense scrutiny.
Moderator: Speaking of competition, there seemed to be a noticeable absence of top-ranked archers from Gard in the senior categories. What are your thoughts on this,and what could be contributing to this trend?
Jean-Christophe Pellegrinato:
That is a concern. We need to understand why experienced archers are not participating in these crucial qualifying events.
Maybe it’s due to scheduling conflicts,or perhaps they are focusing on other tournaments.
Whatever the reason, it’s vital that the Gard archery community finds ways to encourage its seasoned archers to participate in regional competitions.Their experience is invaluable, not just for their own performance but also as role models for the younger generation.
Moderator: Excellent point. Building a sense of community and camaraderie is crucial for the growth of any sport.
On the topic of growth, Nîmes has consistently hosted triumphant archery events. What made it a suitable host city for this tournament, and what makes the sport thrive in this region?
Jean-ChristophePellegrinato:
Nîmes possesses a long and rich tradition of archery, and the Assomption complex is a fantastic facility. Modernized with the support of the City of Nîmes, it’s evident they are committed to nurturing this sport.
The region also boasts talented coaches and dedicated clubs, which are essential for cultivating young archers.
Moderator: Couldn’t agree more. It’s clear that Nîmes is a breeding ground for future archery stars. Looking ahead, what advice do you have for these young archers as they navigate the competitive landscape?
Jean-Christophe Pellegrinato:
first and foremost, never lose sight of the joy of the sport.
Archery is a journey of continual advancement, both physical and mental.
Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes.
And most importantly, remember to have fun!
Moderator: Wise words from a true champion. Thank you for sharing your insights, Jean-Christophe. It’s been an honor.
We hope this conversation sparked a fire within our readers.
What are your thoughts on the future of French archery?
Let us no in the comments below!
