France Sets Sights on Medal Haul at 21st European 18m Archery Championships

The French national archery team has arrived in Bulgaria for the 21st edition of the European 18m Archery Championships, aiming to replicate a high-standard performance from the previous year. With a field of 318 archers competing, the “Bleus” are entering the tournament with a clear objective: matching the six medals secured during the last championships held in Turkey.

The competition began this Tuesday and is scheduled to run through Saturday. For the French squad, the indoor 18-meter distance represents a critical test of precision and mental fortitude early in the 2026 season.

Squad Composition and Selection

There is some variation in reporting regarding the final size of the French delegation. Although official updates from the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA) indicate that ten French archers have embarked on the adventure in Bulgaria, earlier selection reports from January 19, 2026, listed 11 French athletes as selected for the event.

Among the highlighted selections in the recurve (arc classique) category are Lisa Barbelin of Riom and Alexandre Desemery of Issy les Moulineaux. These athletes form the core of a team tasked with maintaining France’s standing as a powerhouse in European indoor archery.

For those unfamiliar with the format, the 18m championships are the premier indoor event for the sport, emphasizing tight groupings and consistency over the shorter distance compared to outdoor target archery.

Chasing the Turkey Standard

The pressure on the French team is driven by their own recent success. Last year’s campaign in Turkey yielded six medals, a benchmark that the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc hopes to equal or surpass in Bulgaria.

Facing a massive field of 318 competitors, the French archers must navigate a rigorous schedule of qualifying rounds and match play to reach the podium. The depth of the European field ensures that even minor errors can be costly, making the quest for six medals a significant challenge.

Key Event Details

• Event: 21st European 18m Archery Championships
• Location: Bulgaria
• Total Competitors: 318 archers
• French Goal: 6 medals (matching the previous year’s total in Turkey)
• Duration: Tuesday through Saturday

The FFTA continues to promote the sport not just through elite competition, but as a community and family endeavor, as seen in recent profiles of athletes like Claire Brousselle and Valérie Frémont, highlighting the generational passion that fuels the national program.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the team will be the conclusion of the championships this Saturday, when the final medal standings will be determined.

Do you think the French team can beat their six-medal record from Turkey? Let us know in the comments.