Paris, France – Julien Duprat of the Compagnie d’Archers de Muret secured a silver medal at the 2026 French Indoor Archery Championships, held in Paris from February 27th to March 1st. The competition showcased some of France’s top archery talent, and Duprat’s performance marked a significant achievement for the Muret club.
The championships began on Friday with qualification rounds at a distance of 18 meters. Duprat initially faced some pressure, with a cautious start to his first series. He quickly found his rhythm, however, posting a score of 270 and temporarily placing third. A more challenging second series followed, impacting his overall ranking, and he qualified for the elimination rounds in 16th place – the last qualifying position.
Facing a tough draw against Vivien Bidaut, the top qualifier with a score of 558, Duprat adopted a simplified approach. Focusing on his breathing, alignment, and feel, he navigated the bracket with impressive composure. He defeated his opponents in the subsequent rounds, first overcoming Philippe Galtier 7-3 in the eighth final, and then dominating Philippe Galtier 7-1 in the quarterfinal.
The semi-final brought a particularly emotional match against his friend, Vincent Houdart. The two archers traded points fiercely, ultimately requiring a tie-breaker. Duprat prevailed, edging out Houdart by a narrow margin to advance to the gold medal match.
Saturday evening’s final against Mickaël Martin presented a different challenge. Duprat initially struggled to find his form, falling behind 4-0. Demonstrating resilience, he battled back to tie the score at 4-4. Despite a strong final volley from both archers, Martin ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 6-4.
Despite the narrow defeat, Duprat’s silver medal represents a significant accomplishment. It’s a testament to his dedication, the support of his coaching staff, and the unwavering encouragement from his club, the Compagnie d’Archers de Muret. The experience gained in this high-pressure environment will undoubtedly prove valuable as he continues his archery career.
The 2026 French Indoor Archery Championships, hosted at the Halle Carpentier in Paris, provided a thrilling spectacle for fans and athletes alike. Duprat’s performance underscored the growing strength of the archery community in Muret and throughout France. The competition, organized by the French Archery Federation (FFTA), drew archers from across the country, all vying for national titles.
Duprat’s coach, Matthieu Gayral, played a crucial role in his success, providing guidance and support throughout the tournament. The archers’ preparation included focused training sessions and mental conditioning exercises designed to handle the pressure of competition. The team’s dedication was evident in Duprat’s consistent performance throughout the event.
Looking ahead, Duprat is already analyzing his performance and identifying areas for improvement. He’s committed to refining his technique and strengthening his mental game, with the goal of building on this success in future competitions. The silver medal serves as a powerful motivator as he sets his sights on new challenges.
The French Archery Federation’s official results page provides a detailed breakdown of the tournament standings and individual scores. Click here to view the full results.
The Compagnie d’Archers de Muret also shared updates and support for Duprat throughout the championships on their website. You can find their coverage here.
Duprat’s next scheduled competition is yet to be announced, but fans can follow the Compagnie d’Archers de Muret for updates on his training and upcoming events. The silver medal at the French Indoor Championships has undoubtedly elevated his profile within the French archery community, and all eyes will be on his future performances.
