The Arc Club de Nîmes is celebrating a significant achievement as several of its archers have been selected to represent France in international competitions throughout 2026. Following rigorous national selection trials held in Compiègne (Oise), a strong contingent from Nîmes has secured spots on the French national team, signaling a bright future for the club and French archery as a whole. This success story blends veteran experience with the exciting emergence of young talent, solidifying Nîmes’ position as a powerhouse in the sport.
Five Nîmois Named to France’s ‘A’ Team
The French Archery Federation (FFTA) recently announced its roster for the initial phase of the 2026 outdoor season, which includes competition at the 70-meter Olympic distance. Five archers from Nîmes have earned places on the ‘A’ team, representing the nation’s top tier of talent. While Victoria Sebastian, a rising star currently ranked 8th in the world, will initially compete with the ‘B’ team due to technical considerations during the Compiègne trials – where she finished 6th – her potential remains immense.
Fremery-Delestan Makes a Splash, Renaudineau Earns First Caps
The selection trials weren’t just about confirming established names; they too showcased the arrival of exciting fresh talent. Mila Fremery-Delestan, a recent addition to the club from Mornas (Vaucluse), made an immediate impact, winning the senior selection trials at just 18 years ancient. This impressive debut has earned her a spot on the French team for the European Championships in Antalya, Turkey, from May 18th to 24th, as well as inclusion in the World Cup events in Puebla, Mexico (April 7-12) and Shanghai, China (May 5-10).
Fremery-Delestan will benefit from the guidance of seasoned Olympians Baptiste Addis and Jean-Charles Valladont, who finished first and third respectively at the Compiègne trials. Another Nîmois archer, Alexis Renaudineau, also made his mark, securing his first senior caps for the French team after transferring from Mornas. He finished fourth in the trials and will join Fremery-Delestan on the international circuit.
Florent Pioneers in Compound Archery, Eyes Los Angeles 2028
Rounding out the Nîmes representation is Anaëlle Florent, who has transitioned to compound archery under the guidance of ACN’s Director of Sport, Olivier Grillat. Florent won the internal selection trials in Compiègne, positioning her well as compound archery makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This demonstrates the club’s commitment to embracing new disciplines and developing talent across the board.
Notably, Jean-Charles Valladont will miss the World Cup event in Puebla due to a personal commitment – the impending arrival of a child – but his continued presence as a leader within the team remains vital. The success of the Arc Club de Nîmes is a testament to its strong coaching, dedicated athletes, and a thriving archery community.
The blend of youth and experience within the Nîmes contingent is particularly noteworthy. The club has successfully cultivated a pipeline of talent, seamlessly integrating newcomers like Fremery-Delestan and Renaudineau alongside established stars like Addis, Valladont, and Sebastian. This dynamic creates a competitive and supportive environment that fosters continuous improvement.
For those unfamiliar, archery’s Olympic format involves athletes shooting at targets 70 meters away, requiring immense precision, strength, and mental fortitude. Compound archery, with its use of mechanical aids like sights and releases, offers a different challenge and is gaining popularity worldwide. The inclusion of compound archery in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is expected to further boost the sport’s global appeal.
The upcoming competitions in Antalya, Puebla, and Shanghai will provide valuable opportunities for the French team, including the Nîmes contingent, to test their skills against the world’s best. These events will also serve as crucial preparation for the ultimate goal: success at the Olympic Games.
The Arc Club de Nîmes’ recent achievements are not just a victory for the club itself, but for the entire French archery community. The dedication and talent on display in Compiègne demonstrate the strength and potential of the sport in France, and fans will be eagerly watching as these athletes compete on the international stage.
What’s Next: The French archery team will begin its international campaign at the World Cup event in Puebla, Mexico, from April 7-12. Fans can follow updates and results on the FFTA website and through official team channels.
