Nîmes, France – The badminton team from Lycée Jean Guéhenno in Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine, delivered a stunning performance at the French UNSS Excellence Championships, securing a silver medal in a closely contested final. The competition, held in Nîmes from March 25th to 27th, saw the team fall just short of the championship title, losing the final match 64-63.
This impressive showing marks a significant achievement for the lycée’s badminton program, coached by Ronan Monfort of the BCPF. The team, comprised of Margaux Gérouard, Sélène Lugiery, Maël Rousseau, Noa Léon, and Brennan Aussant, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament. Aussant as well earned recognition as a “Jeune Officiel National,” a testament to his dedication to the sport beyond playing.
The narrow defeat in the final was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise triumphant run. As Fabien Ollivier, a physical education teacher at the lycée, noted, “We lost the final 64-63, so close to the grail… A magnificent performance for the students of the Jean Guéhenno lycée badminton section.”
The team’s success wasn’t without its challenges. Léa Lodé, a member of the squad, was unfortunately sidelined by an injury shortly before the championships. Ollivier acknowledged her absence, stating, “A special thought for Léa Lodé who was injured shortly before the French championship.” Despite this setback, the team rallied and showcased remarkable resilience.
The dedication of the athletes extends beyond the formal training schedule. Ollivier highlighted their commitment, noting their consistent attendance at training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as their participation in club training sessions on Mondays. This rigorous preparation clearly paid dividends on the national stage.
This silver medal builds on previous successes for the Lycée Jean Guéhenno badminton program. According to information from the lycée’s website, the team recently won the regional academic UNSS Excellence team championship. In March 2025, the team finished 6th out of 27 teams at the French Cross Country Championships held in the Val de Seine region of Paris.
The lycée also boasts a strong athletic program offering a wide range of sports and training opportunities for its students. The school provides education from CAP to BTS levels, emphasizing both academic and athletic development.
Looking ahead, the team is already setting its sights on future competitions. Ollivier expressed optimism, stating, “We savor this title and look forward to next year.” The experience gained at the national championships will undoubtedly serve as a valuable foundation for continued success.
The Lycée Jean Guéhenno’s badminton program continues to be a source of pride for the community of Fougères and a shining example of the dedication and talent of its student-athletes. The team’s performance at the French UNSS Excellence Championships is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the quality of coaching they receive.
Next up for the Lycée Jean Guéhenno badminton team is preparation for the upcoming academic year and regional qualifying events. Details regarding the schedule will be posted on the school’s website as they become available.
