French Archery Federation Names Recurve Selection for European Championships and International Play
The Fédération Française de Tir à l’arc (FFTA) has officially unveiled its recurve bow (arc classique) selections, designating 11 athletes to represent France on the international stage. The announcement, made on March 23, 2026, outlines a strategic roster designed to build on the momentum of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and target success at the upcoming European Championships.
Whereas 11 archers have been named to the broader selection, the immediate focus shifts to a core group of six athletes—three men and three women—who have been tapped for the European Championships. The event is scheduled to take place from May 18 to 24 in Antalya, Turkey.
The Road to Antalya: European Championship Roster
The selection for the European Championships followed a rigorous trial process held the week prior to the announcement. The FFTA has opted for a blend of proven Olympic pedigree and emerging youth to challenge for titles in Turkey.
For the men, the FFTA has reunited the trio of Baptiste Addis (Nîmes), Thomas Chirault (Clermont-Ferrand) and Jean-Charles Valladont (Nîmes). This group carries significant expectations, as they were crowned European team champions two years ago and secured a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their reunion suggests a desire to reclaim the continental title.
The women’s squad features a similar mix of experience and new blood. Lisa Barbelin (Riom), who earned an individual bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, returns to lead the team alongside Caroline Lopez (Riom), both of whom were part of the team that took gold in Essen in 2024.
Joining the veterans is 18-year-old Mila Fremery-Delestan of Nîmes. After finishing first in the selection trials, Fremery-Delestan is set to make her senior European Championship debut, marking her as one of the most promising young talents in the French recurve program.
Broader National Team and Grand Prix Assignments
Beyond the European Championship squad, the FFTA’s wider list of 11 selected athletes ensures depth across various international fixtures. This broader selection allows the federation to rotate talent and provide high-level competition experience to a larger pool of archers.
As part of this strategic rollout, the FFTA has designated two recurve archers to compete in the European Grand Prix: Victoria Sebastian (Nîmes) and Nicolas Bernardi (Rennes). These assignments serve as critical preparation and ranking opportunities for the athletes as they navigate the international calendar.
For those unfamiliar with the selection process, the FFTA utilizes specific modalities to reference and rank France’s top archers internationally, ensuring that those who perform best in domestic trials and international events earn their spots on the national team.
Key Personnel and Affiliations
The distribution of the selected athletes highlights the strength of specific regional clubs in France, particularly in Nîmes and Riom.
- Nîmes: Baptiste Addis, Jean-Charles Valladont, Mila Fremery-Delestan, and Victoria Sebastian.
- Riom: Lisa Barbelin and Caroline Lopez.
- Clermont-Ferrand: Thomas Chirault.
- Rennes: Nicolas Bernardi.
The inclusion of these athletes underscores the FFTA’s commitment to maintaining a high-performance pipeline, bridging the gap between youth success and senior podiums.
What’s Next for Team France
The French recurve team now enters a focused training block leading up to the May window. The primary objective remains the European Championships in Antalya, Turkey, where the men’s team will appear to defend their legacy and the women’s team will aim to build on their 2024 success.
The European Championships will run from May 18 to 24, 2026. Official updates and results will be provided by the FFTA as the competition progresses.
Do you think the reunited Paris 2024 silver medalists can take gold in Antalya? Let us know in the comments below.
