ANTALYA, Turkey — The French recurve archery team has a new face and her name is Mila Fremery-Delestan. At just 18 years old, the youth sensation has catapulted herself into the senior national team by topping the women’s selection process, finishing ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Lisa Barbelin in a stunning upset. For Fremery-Delestan, this isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a declaration that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are now firmly within her sights.

With the European Outdoor Championships in Antalya just weeks away (May 28-June 2), Team France arrives with a roster redefined by youthful energy. Fremery-Delestan’s selection marks the most significant generational shift in French archery since the nation’s dominant run at the 2024 Paris Games, where Barbelin and Caroline Lopez delivered France’s first Olympic medals in the sport.

The Selection That Shook French Archery

National trials held March 17-20 in Compiègne produced one of the biggest surprises in recent French archery history. Fremery-Delestan, who had already established herself as a junior prodigy with a silver medal at the 2022 European Youth Championships and victory at the 2023 Indoor Archery World Series Youth Finals (under-21), outshot the experienced Barbelin to claim the top spot in the women’s team selection.

Why This Selection Matters

Fremery-Delestan’s rise represents more than just individual success—it signals a strategic shift in French archery’s long-term planning. While Barbelin and Lopez provided the Olympic medal foundation, the selection committee clearly sees potential in developing the next generation to sustain France’s dominance.

“To best approach this selection, I worked a lot on my mental approach and confidence,” Fremery-Delestan told reporters after her selection. “Above all, I focused on having as much fun as possible while shooting my arrows.”

That youthful philosophy contrasts with the more calculated approach of veterans like Barbelin, who won bronze in Paris. The combination creates an intriguing dynamic for Team France as they prepare for Antalya.

The Road to Antalya: What to Watch

Tactical Considerations for Team France

With three generations now represented—Fremery-Delestan (youth), Barbelin/Lopez (experienced), and the emerging Armand/Renaudineau—Team France faces compelling tactical questions:

• Lineup Flexibility: Will coaches rotate Fremery-Delestan into the team event to provide fresh energy?
• Mental Transition: Can Fremery-Delestan maintain her junior-level confidence under senior pressure?
• Olympic Handover: Will this be Barbelin’s final major championship before Los Angeles 2028?

Beyond Antalya: The Olympic Horizon

While the immediate focus is on Antalya, Fremery-Delestan’s selection has already set her on a path toward the 2028 Olympics. The 18-year-old will have two full years to refine her skills, with the World Cup stages in Puebla and Shanghai providing crucial experience alongside established stars.

Her selection also comes at a pivotal time for French archery. With the Paris 2024 Olympic team now transitioning, the federation appears committed to nurturing homegrown talent like Fremery-Delestan to ensure continued success.

Junior Record-Breaker

Fremery-Delestan’s rapid ascent includes a notable achievement from August 2024, when she helped France set a new European junior team record at the Junior Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria. While exact scores aren’t available from primary sources, team photos from her Instagram account (verified through @melinatsl tagging) confirm her participation in this historic event.

What So for French Archery’s Future

Fremery-Delestan’s selection represents more than just individual success—it’s evidence of a carefully constructed development pipeline that’s paying dividends. The French Archery Federation’s investment in youth programs appears to be yielding results just as the current generation begins its natural decline.

For fans, this creates excitement about what could be a golden era for French archery. The combination of experienced campaigners and hungry young talent provides the perfect foundation for sustained success at the highest level.

How to Follow Mila’s Journey

Fremery-Delestan’s story is still unfolding, but here’s how to stay updated:

• Official Updates: Follow World Archery for team announcements and results
• Social Media: Track her progress via her verified Instagram (search @mila_fremery)
• Next Checkpoint: Watch for her performance at the European Championships starting May 28 in Antalya
• Long-Term: Mark your calendars for the 2027 World Championships in ‘s-Hertogenbosch as a key Olympic qualification milestone

The Next Step: Antalya and Beyond

As Fremery-Delestan prepares for her senior debut, the pressure is on—but so is the opportunity. The European Championships in Antalya will be her first true test against the world’s best. With Turkey hosting the event, she’ll face familiar conditions (the climate in Antalya mirrors her training environment in France), which could work to her advantage.

What makes her story particularly compelling is her ability to balance youthful exuberance with the mental toughness required at the elite level. Her comments about “having fun” while shooting arrows reveal a coachable attitude that could serve her well as she navigates the transition from junior to senior competition.

The road to Los Angeles 2028 is long, but for Mila Fremery-Delestan, that dream is now closer than ever. And with Team France’s full support, she has the platform to make it a reality.