French Archer Vincent Houdart Claims European and National Barebow Medals

Plovdiv, Bulgaria & Paris, France – Vincent Houdart has been enjoying a remarkable run of form, securing silver and bronze medals at the European Championships in Bulgaria and the French National Championships in Paris, respectively, in the barebow archery discipline. The 38-year-old archer is representing France with increasing success on the international stage.

Houdart joined the Flèches Saint-Affricaines archery club in 2022, and his dedication has quickly translated into success. Barebow archery, also known as arc nu, requires exceptional skill and precision, as competitors shoot without the aid of sights or stabilizers. The target, at 18 meters, presents a challenging test of focus and technique – a “target the size of a small apple,” as described by those familiar with the sport.

European Championships Success in Bulgaria

Representing the French national team for the past two years, Houdart’s performance at the 2026 European Indoor Archery Championships, held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from February 16-21, was particularly noteworthy. The event, the 22nd edition of the European Indoor Archery Championships, drew 315 competitors from 27 nations. A maximum of three athletes per country were permitted in each category.

Houdart was part of the French team that competed alongside David Jackson and Jérôme Souchaud. According to results from the Turkish Archery Federation-hosted event in Samsun in 2025 (a precursor to the 2026 championships), the French team of Houdart, Jackson, and Souchaud finished second in the Barebow Men’s Team event. Italy took gold, and Romania finished third.

David Jackson topped the barebow individual standings with 1,202 points, while Jérôme Souchaud (1,085 points) and Vincent Houdart (1,077 points) were selected for the team by the committee, as reported by the French Archery Federation (FFTA). While specific results for the 2026 European Championships are not detailed in the provided sources, Houdart’s silver medal indicates a strong individual performance.

National Championship Bronze in France

Following his success in Bulgaria, Houdart continued his winning streak at the French National Championships, adding a bronze medal to his collection. This demonstrates his consistent ability to perform at a high level in both international and domestic competitions.

The Rise of Barebow Archery

Barebow archery is gaining popularity as an accessible and challenging discipline within the sport. Unlike recurve or compound archery, which utilize sights, stabilizers, and other advanced equipment, barebow relies solely on the archer’s skill, strength, and mental focus. This makes it a compelling spectacle for both participants and spectators. The discipline demands a high degree of physical and mental control, requiring archers to master their technique and develop an intuitive understanding of their equipment.

Houdart’s success is a testament to his dedication and the growing strength of the French barebow archery program. His ability to consistently deliver strong performances on the European stage positions him as a key contender for future international competitions.

What’s Next for Vincent Houdart?

With continued success at both the European and national levels, Vincent Houdart is poised to remain a prominent figure in the world of barebow archery. His next competitive appearances are yet to be announced, but fans can follow updates on the French Archery Federation website (https://www.ffta.fr/) for the latest news and schedules. The 2026 European Indoor Archery Championships concluded on February 21st, and the archery world now looks ahead to future events and the continued development of talented athletes like Vincent Houdart.