French archer Lou-Anne Mogenot secured the departmental championship in Lattes on Saturday, according to the French Archery Federation (FFA). The victory marks a significant milestone in the 21-year-old’s career, as she competed against 45 athletes from Hérault department in the recurve category. Mogenot’s final score of 632 points over 72 arrows surpassed runner-up Clémentine Lemoine, who scored 628, according to FFA records.
The event, held at the Lattes Archery Park, drew a crowd of approximately 200 spectators, with organizers noting it was the largest turnout for a local championship in over a decade. “The level of competition was exceptional,” said FFA spokesperson Marine Dubois. “Mogenot’s precision under pressure demonstrated why she’s a rising star in French archery.”
Mogenot, who trains at the Agde Archery Club, has previously competed in regional youth tournaments. Her victory in Lattes qualifies her for the 2024 French Archery Championships, scheduled for April in Lyon. “This win gives me confidence for the national stage,” Mogenot said in a post-competition interview. “I’m ready to push my limits.”
The tournament followed a modified format due to weather delays. Competitors initially faced rain on Friday, prompting a two-hour postponement of the final rounds. Organizers adjusted the schedule to ensure optimal conditions, with all matches completed by 5 p.m. local time. “We prioritized athlete safety and fair play,” said Lattes Archery Park manager Jean-Pierre Rousseau. “The facilities held up well, and the atmosphere was electric.”
Key moments included Mogenot’s performance in the final set, where she hit 10 out of 12 targets in the 10-meter range. Her consistency in the final 10 arrows—scoring 98 points—proved decisive. “She maintained her focus despite the pressure,” said coach Rémy Martin, who has guided Mogenot since her junior career. “Her mental strength is as sharp as her technique.”
The competition featured three categories: recurve, compound, and barebow. Mogenot’s win in the recurve division highlights her specialization in the traditional bow style. According to FFA data, recurve archers accounted for 68% of participants, reflecting its popularity in France. The event also included a youth bracket for athletes under 18, with 12 competitors vying for regional recognition.
Local officials praised the event’s community impact. “Lattes is proud to host such a prestigious competition,” said mayor Sophie Durand. “It showcases our sporting facilities and inspires the next generation of archers.” The city has invested €150,000 in archery infrastructure since 2021, including a new 30-target range at the park.
Mogenot’s victory adds to a growing list of regional successes. In 2023, she won the Occitanie regional championship, and she recently placed third in a European youth tournament in Belgium. Her career trajectory aligns with FFA’s focus on developing young talent, with 42% of national team members under 25 as of 2024.
The next major event for Mogenot is the 2024 French Championships, where she will compete against top-tier athletes like 2023 national champion Anaïs Dufresne. Dufresne, who holds a world ranking of 17th, will be a key contender. “It’s a tough field, but I’m prepared,” Mogenot said. “I’ll treat it as another opportunity to learn.”
For fans, the tournament offered a glimpse into the sport’s technical demands. Archers use a 68-pound draw weight recurve bow, with targets measuring 122 cm in diameter. Scoring ranges from 10 (center) to 1 (outer ring), with penalties for missed shots. The Lattes event followed FIA (International Archery Federation) guidelines, ensuring consistency with global standards.
Local media coverage emphasized Mogenot’s dedication. Photos from the event show her practicing daily at the Agde club, where she balances training with studies in sports science. Her coach, Martin, noted her disciplined approach: “She’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave. That work ethic separates her from peers.”
The tournament’s success may influence future event hosting. Lattes officials are considering bids for the 2025 regional championships, pending funding approvals. “We’ve proven we can organize high-level competitions,” said Rousseau. “This could be the start of a long-term partnership with the FFA.”
For now, Mogenot plans to focus on refining her form ahead of the national championships. Her victory in Lattes not only cements her status as a regional standout but also underscores the growing prominence of archery in southern France. As Dubois noted, “Events like this are vital for nurturing talent and expanding the sport’s reach.”
French Archery Federation | City of Lattes
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