Steven Dupont Claims Silver at Finistère Archery Championships

Steven Dupont secured the silver medal at the Finistère Archery Championships on Saturday, marking a significant achievement in the French archer’s career. The event, held at the École de Tir de Brest, featured competitors from across the Brittany region, with Dupont finishing just behind champion Guillaume Lemoine, according to official tournament records.

The championships, organized by the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA), drew over 150 participants across multiple categories. Dupont, 28, competed in the men’s recurve division, where he posted a total score of 682 points across four rounds. Lemoine, the defending champion, edged him out with 685 points, as confirmed by the FFTA’s official results page.

What Happened at the Finistère Archery Championships?

The competition took place at the École de Tir de Brest, a facility known for hosting regional and national archery events. Competitors faced a standard 70-meter target setup, with scores determined by precision in three 24-arrow ends and a final 12-arrow shoot-off. Dupont’s performance in the shoot-off was critical, as he narrowly missed tying Lemoine’s score in the final round.

“It was a tough match, but I’m proud of how I handled the pressure,” Dupont said in a post-competition interview. “Guillaume is a top-tier archer, and I’ll use this experience to improve.” The quote was reported by Le Télégramme, the local outlet covering the event.

Why This Victory Matters for Dupont’s Career

For Dupont, the silver medal represents a breakthrough in his professional archery journey. The Finistère Championships are a key qualifier for the French National Archery Team, and his performance could influence his selection for upcoming regional and national competitions. According to the FFTA’s selection criteria, top regional results are weighted heavily in team evaluations.

Dupont’s previous best finish in a regional championship was third place at the 2022 Pays de la Loire event. His silver in Finistère places him among the elite archers in the northwest of France, a region with a strong tradition in the sport. The win also underscores his progress since turning professional in 2021, as noted by sports analyst Julien Moreau in a recent article for Élysee Sport.

Key Performances and Standout Moments

The final round of the men’s recurve division was a tightly contested affair. Dupont and Lemoine exchanged shots in the final 12-arrow shoot-off, with Lemoine’s 10-point bullseye in the 11th arrow proving decisive. Dupont’s final arrow landed in the 9-ring, securing his silver but not the top spot.

Other notable performances included Mathieu Dufresne, who claimed bronze with 678 points, and local favorite Anaïs Leclerc, who won the women’s compound division. The event also featured a youth category, where 16-year-old Léa Martin set a new regional record with a score of 592 points.

What’s Next for Steven Dupont?

Dupont’s next major competition will be the 2024 French Archery Championships in Lyon, scheduled for April 12–15. The event serves as the primary qualifier for the European Archery Championships, which will be held in Warsaw later this year. A strong showing in Lyon could secure Dupont a spot on the French team for the European event.

The FFTA has not yet announced the exact selection process for the European Championships, but past guidelines indicate that regional championship results will be a key factor. Dupont’s silver in Finistère, combined with his consistent performances in 2023, positions him as a strong contender for the team.

How to Follow the Action

For updates on Dupont’s upcoming competitions, fans can follow the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc on Twitter or visit the organization’s official website. Live scores and event schedules are also available through the Archery Results platform.

Dupont himself has a growing social media presence, where he shares training routines and competition highlights. His Instagram account, @steven.dupont.archer, has over 10,000 followers and regularly features behind-the-scenes content from his training sessions.

The Finistère Archery Championships highlight the growing popularity of the sport in France, particularly in regions like