Youth Movement Takes Center Stage as France Sets International Archery Roster

The French archery team is entering a new era. As the international season kicks off, the national selection reveals a deliberate shift toward a younger generation of talent, blending established Olympic experience with fresh, high-performing newcomers.

On March 23, 2026, the French Archery Federation (FFTA) announced the 11 athletes selected for the recurve (arc classique) squad. The roster signals a transition in strategy, prioritizing youth and agility as France looks to maintain its standing on the global stage. For a sport defined by nerves and precision, the introduction of new faces into the high-pressure environment of international competition is a calculated move to build depth for future cycles.

The Rise of Mila Fremery Delestan

The most striking result of the recent selection process is the emergence of 18-year-old Mila Fremery Delestan. In a result that has surprised many within the sport, Delestan topped the French recurve selection, positioning herself as a primary figure for the women’s squad.

Topping a national selection at 18 is a rare feat in a discipline where mental maturity and years of repetitive training typically dictate success. Her ascent suggests a shift in the competitive landscape of French archery, where raw talent and modern training methods are allowing younger athletes to challenge the veteran guard earlier than in previous decades.

Debutants Heading to Puebla and Shanghai

The transition isn’t limited to the women’s side. The FFTA is providing critical first-time international exposure to several young men to test their mettle under tournament conditions. Raphaël Armand and Alexis Renaudineau are the primary beneficiaries of this “baptism by fire.”

Armand is slated for his first international experience in Puebla, while Renaudineau will observe action in both Puebla and Shanghai. These assignments are more than just participation trophies; they are strategic placements designed to familiarize young archers with the logistical and psychological demands of traveling and competing in diverse environments across Mexico and China.

Note for readers: In archery, “recurve” refers to the traditional style of bow where the tips curve away from the archer, providing more power and speed than a straight longbow. This is the only bow style permitted in the Olympic Games.

Building on a Foundation of Gold and Bronze

This youth movement does not exist in a vacuum. France is currently riding a wave of significant momentum from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The psychological confidence of the squad is bolstered by recent podium finishes at the highest levels of the sport.

The team is coming off a stellar performance by Nicolas Girard, who secured a gold medal at the World Championships on September 10, 2025. Girard’s victory provides a blueprint for the younger athletes, proving that the French system can produce world-beating results.

the legacy of the 2024 Summer Olympics continues to influence the squad. Lisa Barbelin’s bronze medal on August 3, 2024, served as a landmark achievement for French women’s archery. While the 2024 Games saw the elimination of other key figures like Baptiste Addis, Thomas Chirault, and Amélie Cordeau, the overall experience of the Olympic cycle has refined the national training approach.

The Evolution of Precision

The “rejuvenation” of the team coincides with a period of intense technological evolution in the sport. Modern archery has moved far beyond its origins in hunting and defense. Today’s elite French archers utilize double-curvature bows reinforced with fiberglass, launching aluminum or carbon graphite arrows at speeds exceeding 240 km/h.

For athletes like Delestan, Armand, and Renaudineau, mastering this equipment is as much about physics as This proves about form. The stability provided by modern materials allows for the extreme precision required in the five Olympic competitions: individual and team events for both men and women, as well as the mixed team event.

Key Roster Transitions

While the full list of 11 recurve selections focuses on the future, the French system continues to balance these newcomers with the lessons learned from recent campaigns. The contrast between the “total disappointment” felt by some tricolore archers in late 2025 and the “confident” outlook heading into the current season highlights the volatility of the sport.

By integrating athletes who are not yet burdened by the pressure of previous failures or the weight of defending titles, the FFTA is attempting to inject a sense of fearlessness into the squad.

What’s Next for the Tricolores

The immediate focus for the French archery team shifts to the upcoming events in Puebla and Shanghai. These competitions will serve as the first real-world litmus test for the new selections, particularly for the debutants Armand and Renaudineau.

The global archery community will be watching to see if Mila Fremery Delestan can translate her domestic selection dominance into international points. If these young athletes can handle the pressure of the international circuit, France will have successfully bridged the gap between its 2024 Olympic veterans and the next generation of champions.

For the latest updates on the French national archery team and their results in Puebla and Shanghai, stay tuned to official FFTA announcements.

Do you think a youth-heavy roster is the right move for France heading into the new season? Let us know in the comments below.