Julie Léonard, 27, Becomes World Archery Champion with French Team Despite Gendarmerie Duties
Julie Léonard, a 27-year-old French gendarme, secured her first world championship title in the team event at the 2023 World Archery Championships in Berlin, Germany, according to World Archery records. The victory marked France’s first gold in the recurve women’s team category since 2015, with Léonard competing alongside teammates Delphine Amaudruz and Marine Brevet.
The final against South Korea saw France post a 6-4 score in the decisive end, with Léonard hitting a 10 on the final arrow to secure the win. “It was an incredible moment,” Léonard said in a post-match interview with World Archery. “We’ve trained for this for years, and it’s amazing to see it pay off.”
Background: A Dual Career in Law Enforcement and Archery
Léonard, a corporal in the French National Gendarmerie, has balanced her archery career with her duties since 2018. The gendarmerie, which operates under the Ministry of the Interior, allows elite athletes to take unpaid leave for competitions, according to a gendarmerie spokesperson. “Julie’s dedication to both her profession and sport is exceptional,” the spokesperson said. “She serves as an inspiration to many young gendarmes.”
Her archery journey began at age 12 in Le Mans, where she trained under coach François Dubois. “Julie has always had a calm focus,” Dubois told La Voix du West. “Even as a teenager, she knew how to handle pressure.”
Why the Win Matters for France’s Archery Program
The gold medal is significant for France’s archery program, which has struggled to maintain dominance since the 2012 London Olympics. The country’s last world championship gold in the women’s team event came in 2015, when the team included current coach Amaudruz. “This win renews our confidence,” Amaudruz said. “It shows we can compete at the highest level.”
The victory also highlights the gendarmerie’s role in supporting elite athletes. Léonard’s schedule requires her to travel between training camps and her post in Normandy, with the gendarmerie adjusting her duties to accommodate competitions. “It’s a unique challenge,” she said. “But I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”
Key Moments from the Final
The final against South Korea was a tight contest, with both teams trading points in the first 12 ends. France took a 4-3 lead entering the final end, while South Korea trailed 5-4. Léonard’s final arrow, a 10 on the 10-meter target, sealed the victory. “It was a huge relief,” said Amaudruz. “We knew South Korea would fight hard.”
South Korea’s team, which included 2022 world champion Kim Woo-jin, finished with a silver medal. China took bronze after defeating Russia in the third-place match.
What’s Next for Léonard and the French Team
Léonard’s next major competition is the 2024 European Archery Championships in Wroclaw, Poland. The French team will also aim to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where archery will be held at the Esplanade des Invalides. “We’re already looking ahead,” Léonard said. “The Olympics are the ultimate goal.”
The gendarmerie has confirmed Léonard will take unpaid leave for the 2024 season, with her duties temporarily managed by colleagues. “This is a rare opportunity,” said a gendarmerie official. “We’re proud to support her ambitions.”
Comparing Léonard’s Achievement to Past Champions
Léonard’s victory places her among a small group of gendarmes who have won world championships. Notable examples include 1992 Olympic gold medalist Laurent Ferrier, who competed in judo while serving in the gendarmerie. Unlike Ferrier, Léonard is the first female gendarme to win a world archery title.
Her age of 27 is also noteworthy. While many archers peak in their early 20s, Léonard’s experience as a gendarme has likely contributed to her mental resilience. “The discipline of the gendarmerie helps me stay focused,” she said.
How to Follow the French Archery Team
Fans can track the French team’s progress through World Archery’s official website and the gendarmerie’s social media channels. Léonard’s personal updates are posted on her Instagram account, where she shares training clips and photos from her duties.
The next major event for the team is the 2024 European Championships, scheduled for May 1
