Marie-Julie Bonnin secured the bronze medal in the women’s pole vault at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, clearing 4.70 meters on her second attempt. According to reports from regional media, the 24-year-old French athlete fought through difficult wind conditions and an early competition scare to claim her first senior outdoor international medal, marking the sixth overall medal for the French delegation at the multi-sport event.
A Laborious Path to the European Podium
The competition at the venue in Birmingham tested the mental and physical resilience of the field. According to verified coverage from France Info, Marie-Julie Bonnin entered the contest delicately, needing two attempts to clear 4.45 meters. She then came within a whisker of elimination at 4.60 meters, requiring all three of her allotted jumps to clear the bar.
Having found her rhythm, the reigning 2025 world indoor champion successfully navigated 4.70 meters on her second try. With the medal secured, she attempted higher heights, missing at 4.75 meters before passing to take shots at 4.80 meters and 4.85 meters without success. “Ça n’a pas été un concours simple, au début j’ai eu du mal à me mettre dedans, je pense que je croulais sous la pression et je me suis vraiment libérée à la fin,” Bonnin told France Télévisions after the event, noting that she struggled with the pressure early on before finding her freedom.
Swiss Dominance and the Final Standings
Switzerland’s Angelica Moser dominated the competition, soaring over 4.80 meters to capture the gold medal and defend her title, according to event results. Finland’s Wilma Heltelä claimed the silver medal by clearing 4.75 meters. Bonnin rounded out the podium in third place with her 4.70-meter clearance.
The final standings highlighted a strong depth of performance from the French contingent. Margot Chevrier, competing in her first major championship since suffering a severe ankle fracture in March 2024, finished in a strong fourth place. The 26-year-old cleared 4.30m, 4.45m, and 4.60m on her first attempts before failing at 4.70 meters. Meanwhile, Bérénice Petit finished seventh with a clearance of 4.45 meters in her debut international appearance for France.
Historical Significance for French Athletics
Le Parisien noted that Bonnin’s bronze represents a milestone moment in the history of French athletics as one of the standout performances of the championships. Coming off her global indoor success in 2025, the Bordeaux-born athlete established herself firmly among the elite tier of European vaulters heading into future global cycles.
For Chevrier, the fourth-place finish served as an emotional validation of her grueling rehabilitation timeline. “C’est beaucoup de fierté mais je suis frustrée. Je pense que le taf est fait. Ce n’était pas pour aujourd’hui, mais en tout cas ça veut dire que ce sera pour un jour et que ce n’est pas aberrant de penser à Los Angeles,” Chevrier shared with France Télévisions regarding her performance and future ambitions.
