Lisa Barbelin Secures Third ‘Archer de l’année’ Title Following Paris 2024 Success

In a testament to her enduring dominance in French archery, Lisa Barbelin has once again been named the “Archer de l’année” (Archer of the Year). The distinction, awarded by the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA), marks the third time the 24-year-old has received the honor, adding to her previous wins in 2021 and 2023.

The award recognizes the top French archer of the season and is determined by a public vote organized by the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc. Barbelin’s victory comes on the heels of a landmark performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she secured a bronze medal in the individual event.

By the Numbers: A Decisive Victory

The voting results highlight a clear preference among the archery community for Barbelin’s recent achievements. She captured the title with 1,582 votes, accounting for 42.7% of the total ballots cast.

Following her in the standings were two key members of the French men’s team who earned silver medals in the team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Baptiste Addis, just 17 years old, finished in second place with 24.9% of the vote. Thomas Chirault, 27, and partner of Barbelin, took third place with 9.3%.

For those unfamiliar with the voting process, the “Archer de l’année” is a fan-driven award, allowing the public to weigh in on which athlete’s season was most impactful. In this instance, the combination of Olympic hardware and consistent international form made Barbelin the clear favorite.

Olympic Glory and European Excellence

Barbelin’s recent trajectory has been defined by high-pressure success. Beyond her individual bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she as well secured a bronze medal at the European Championships. This consistency across both continental and global stages has solidified her position as the face of French archery.

The success of the French program extends beyond individual accolades. The silver medal won by Baptiste Addis and Thomas Chirault in the men’s team event in Paris underscores the depth of talent currently within the national squad. The emergence of Addis, specifically, marks a shift toward a younger generation of elite archers capable of competing at the highest level.

Growth of the Sport in France

The visibility brought by the Paris Games and the success of athletes like Barbelin have coincided with a growth in the sport’s popularity domestically. According to reports from L’Équipe, the FFTA has now surpassed 77,000 licensed members, reflecting a surge in interest in the discipline.

This growth provides a stronger foundation for the national team, ensuring a wider pipeline of talent to support the veterans and rising stars currently representing France on the world stage.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Race

While Barbelin celebrates her historic third title, the FFTA has already begun looking toward the next cycle. The federation has announced the start of the process for the “Archer de l’année 2025” election. To narrow the field, five athletes have been selected as candidates to compete for the 2025 title.

As the French team continues to build on the momentum of the Paris 2024 Games, the upcoming election will serve as a barometer for who has maintained their form into the new season.

The French archery community now awaits the final results of the 2025 election to spot if Barbelin can extend her legacy or if a new star will rise to the top. Stay tuned for official updates from the FFTA regarding the final vote.

Do you think Lisa Barbelin will secure a fourth title in 2025, or is it time for a new face to lead French archery? Let us know in the comments.