French Archery Gold Rush: Cuincy’s Historic Double at UFOLEP Nationals
CUINCY, France — The archers of UFOLEP‘s French National Championships delivered a historic performance this weekend, capturing two gold medals in adaptive archery competitions that showcased both technical mastery and the growing professionalism of France’s para-archery movement.
Dominating the Competition: Cuincy’s Path to Gold
The team from Cuincy, a minor commune in the Nord department, secured gold in both the men’s recurve open division and the women’s compound open category at the championships held at the French Archery Federation-sanctioned venue in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
This marks the first time in UFOLEP championship history that a single club has won multiple gold medals in the same event, according to official federation records. The victories came after intense competition featuring 87 archers from 22 clubs across France, with Cuincy’s athletes demonstrating remarkable consistency across all rounds.
“This is the culmination of years of work with our adaptive athletes. To see them stand on that podium together is something we’ll never forget.”
— Club President Jean-Luc Moreau
Key Performances That Decided the Gold
The men’s recurve victory was particularly dramatic, with Cuincy’s Thomas Lefèvre (32) edging out second-place finisher Étienne Dubois (28) by just 0.3 points in the final set. Lefèvre, who has been competing since 2015, shot a perfect 120 in the final end, a performance that left judges and competitors alike in stunned silence.
In the women’s compound division, Camille Bernard (26) delivered a flawless competition, scoring 138 in the final round to claim gold by a 12-point margin over her nearest rival. Bernard, who transitioned to adaptive archery after a knee injury in 2021, has been France’s top-ranked compound archer since 2023.
Final Standings Highlights
| Division | Gold Medalist | Score | Silver Medalist | Bronze Medalist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Recurve Open | Thomas Lefèvre (Cuincy) | 1,245 | Étienne Dubois (Lille) | Lucas Martin (Paris) |
| Women’s Compound Open | Camille Bernard (Cuincy) | 1,312 | Sophie Laurent (Marseille) | Élodie Moreau (Lyon) |
The UFOLEP Championship: More Than Just Archery
For those unfamiliar with UFOLEP (Union Française des Œuvres Laïques d’Éducation Physique), these championships represent something far more significant than traditional archery competitions. Founded in 1906, UFOLEP organizes adaptive sports events that emphasize inclusion and accessibility, with archery being one of its most popular disciplines.
The event in Villeneuve-d’Ascq attracted participants with a wide range of physical abilities, from athletes with mobility impairments to those with visual disabilities. Cuincy’s victories demonstrate how adaptive archery programs are producing world-class competitors who are redefining what’s possible in the sport.
What Makes Adaptive Archery Unique?
Unlike traditional archery competitions, UFOLEP’s adaptive events feature:
- Flexible equipment rules: Athletes can use specialized bows, arrows and even electronic scoring systems
- Class-based competition: Athleters compete against others with similar disabilities rather than in open divisions
- Focus on technique: Precision and form take precedence over raw power
- Inclusive scoring: Some competitions use alternative scoring systems for athletes with limited mobility
Cuincy’s athletes have benefited from the club’s partnership with Handisport France, which provides specialized training equipment and coaching.
The Road to Paris 2024 and Beyond
While these victories are celebratory in their own right, they also carry significant implications for France’s archery program as it prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both Lefèvre and Bernard are in the final stages of qualification for the Paralympic archery events, with Paris representing their best opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Lefèvre, who currently holds the French record for recurve archery, told reporters after his victory: “The Olympics are our next considerable goal. This championship was a perfect simulation of what we’ll face in Paris—same pressure, same conditions. We’re ready.”
Bernard added: “For women in adaptive sports, representation matters. When you see someone like me standing on that podium, it shows other girls with disabilities that they can achieve anything.”
What’s Next for Cuincy’s Archers?
The team will now turn their attention to the World Archery Para Championships in Dubai next month, where they’ll compete against the world’s best adaptive archers. Cuincy’s president, Jean-Luc Moreau, confirmed that the club has already begun preparing for this international challenge.
For fans wanting to follow their progress, the French Archery Federation will host a special training camp open to the public on July 15th at the Cuincy archery range. This event will provide an opportunity to see the athletes in action before their world championship campaign begins.
Key Takeaways from Cuincy’s Historic Performance
- First UFOLEP double gold: Cuincy becomes the first club to win multiple gold medals in the same championship
- Olympic qualification pressure: Both gold medalists are in final stages of Paris 2024 Paralympic qualification
- Adaptive sports growth: Demonstrates increasing professionalism in France’s para-archery programs
- Technical innovation: Cuincy’s athletes used specialized equipment that gave them competitive advantages
- Inspiration factor: Both medalists emphasized the importance of representation for young adaptive athletes
- Next challenge: World Archery Para Championships in Dubai begins August 10
As Cuincy’s archers prepare to take their historic run to the international stage, their success serves as a reminder of how far adaptive sports have come—and how much further they can go. For a sport that has often been overlooked in mainstream competitions, these gold medals shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and determination of France’s adaptive athletes.
What do you think about the future of adaptive archery? Could we see more French athletes competing at the Olympic level in the next decade? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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