A year after their historic silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games, the Tricolore Archers Jean-Charles Valladont, Thomas Chirault and Baptiste Addis tackle the Worlds of Gwangju with found confidence. Carried by an exceptional first part of the season, the French male team can legitimately target the podium, both individually and collective.
🇫🇷 The French team against the Korean challenge
🌏 The world archery championships will take place from September 6 to 12 in Gwangju, South Korea
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– French archery federation (@fftilarc) September 5, 2025
A preserved Olympic dynamic
Table of Contents
Since their feat on the Esplanade des Invalides last summer, the Blues have confirmed that they were not just a straw fire. Between April and July, they played four stages of the World Cup and won three medals, including one in gold – a first for eight years. Standing fact: they even offered the luxury of beating the South Koreans, a global reference in the discipline.
“The last time it had happened to us was almost ten years ago”recalls Jean-Charles Valladont, veteran of the team at 36 years old.
For DTN Benoît Binon, the results speak for themselves:
“The French male team has their best World Cup season. Whenever Valladont, Chirault and Addis fired together, they went on the podium. »»
Three complementary profiles
The tricolor success is based on the balance of a trio with varied profiles.
- Jean-Charles Valladont, the dean, brings his experience (already individual silver medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games).
- Thomas Chirault, 27, is described as the “executive”, the one that stabilizes the collective.
- Baptiste Addis, barely 18, embodies the next generation and impresses with its mind and its precocity.
“We have infinite confidence in each other”underlines Chirault. “No need to check the arrow of his teammate to find out that she is in the area. »»
The gaze of “Mister oh”
For three years, the team has been led by South Korean Oh Seon-Tek, legendary coach at the impressive Olympic list (six titles with South Korea). For him, the Gwangju Worlds are a step towards a more distant goal: the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
“The French know how to raise their level of concentration in decisive moments”he explains. “What I liked in our victory against Korea is not only the result, but the proof that we follow the right direction. »»
Addis, the nugget that rises
If the collective attracts attention, Baptiste Addis also shines individually. The youngest’s youngest has already won two medals in the World Cup this season and played a final. “I did not expect to succeed so quickly”he admits.
His coach “Monsieur oh” is not praised: “He has enormous potential, a lot of confidence and an intact passion. »»
In Gwangju, Addis does not only want to play outsiders: he intends to garner experience. “When I aim for global victory, I will have to know precisely the level to reach”he said. A medal would already be a strong signal.
A respected team
Thanks to their Olympic medal and their recent performances, the Blues present themselves in Korea with a new status. “The opponents look at us differently”says Valladont. “They know that we have managed to make an Olympic medal and win stages in the World Cup. This does not give us a huge advantage, but it changes their perception. »»
French Archery’s Ascent: Key Data and Strategic Insights
To further illustrate the French team’s extraordinary trajectory,let’s examine key performance indicators and strategic advantages:
Performance Highlights: Tricolore Archers on the Rise
| Metric | Value/Achievement | Meaning |
| —————————— | ———————————————————————————– | ——————————————————————————————————————- |
| Paris Olympics Medal | Silver Medal | Demonstrated elite-level performance and solidified the team’s status. |
| World Cup Medals (April-July) | 3 Medals (1 Gold) | Highlighted consistent success and a marked advancement over previous seasons, indicating strong momentum. |
| Victories Against Korea | Multiple, including recent successes | Demonstrated the ability to compete with and defeat a dominant force in the sport, boosting confidence and prestige. |
| Jean-Charles Valladont | 2016 Olympic Individual Silver Medalist | A pillar of experience, lending seasoned expertise and leadership to the team dynamic. |
| Baptiste Addis | Multiple World Cup Medals and a Finals Appearance in his debut season. | The emergence of a rising star, symbolizing the team’s radiant future and infusion of youthful talent. |
figure 1: Breakdown of the French Archery Team‘s Recent Performance
(Alt-text: Table showing the team’s recent successes, including Olympic medal, World Cup achievements, and key player contributions.)
This table underscores the team’s remarkable ability to adapt, perform under pressure, and consistently deliver results.
Archery FAQs: Common Questions Answered
To assist readers in understanding the sport of archery, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q: What is archery?
A: Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. The goal is to strike a target for accuracy and competitive scoring [[1]]. Archery emphasizes precision, focus, and physical skill.
Q: Who governs archery at the international level?
A: World Archery is the international governing body for the sport of archery [[1]]. It sets the rules, standards, and oversees major archery events globally, including the Olympics.
Q: What are the different types of archery?
A: There are several disciplines within archery, including target archery (the primary Olympic discipline), bowhunting, 3D archery (shooting at life-size models), and traditional archery [[3]].
Q: is archery an Olympic sport?
A: Yes, archery is an Olympic sport. The sport involves shooting arrows at targets from a set distance,and the French team is a strong contender at the highest levels of competition.
Q: where can I learn more about archery?
A: You can learn more about archery through national archery organizations such as USA Archery [[2]], local archery clubs, and online resources provided by World Archery [[1]].
Q: What makes the French team so prosperous?
A: The French team’s success stems from a combination of factors: skilled athletes, strategic coaching from experienced figures like “Mister Oh”, commitment, and a cohesive team dynamic, as seen in the focus article. The team’s ability to perform highly in decisive moments, as highlighted by the team’s coach, also plays a critical role in their success.
Q: What equipment is used in archery?
A: Archery equipment includes a bow (recurve and compound are the most common), arrows, a sight to help aim, a stabilizer to reduce bow movement, and various protective gear (e.g., finger tabs, arm guards).
