Archers from Mende Shine at Regional Competition in Frontignan
Archers from Mende, a city in the Occitanie region of southern France, delivered standout performances at the regional archery championship in Frontignan on October 15, 2023, according to multiple sources. The event, held at the Frontignan Archery Center, saw Mende’s team secure top positions in several categories, marking a significant achievement for the region’s archery community.
What Happened at the Regional Archery Event?
The regional archery championship in Frontignan brought together competitors from across the Occitanie region, with Mende’s team emerging as one of the most successful. According to the French Archery Federation (FFA), Mende’s archers won three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze, outperforming teams from neighboring regions like Aude and Hérault.
Among the standout performers was 17-year-old Léa Martel, who claimed gold in the women’s individual recurve category. Martel’s score of 682 out of 720 points set a new regional record, surpassing the previous mark of 675 set in 2021. “This is the best I’ve ever done,” Martel said in a statement provided by the FFA. “I’m proud to represent Mende and to contribute to the team’s success.”
The men’s team also impressed, securing the top spot in the team recurve competition. Their total score of 2,045 points out of a possible 2,160 earned them the championship title. This marks the first time Mende’s men’s team has won the regional title since 2018, according to the FFA.
Why This Performance Matters for Mende’s Archery Community
The success of Mende’s archers at the Frontignan event has been celebrated as a milestone for the region’s archery programs. Pierre Lemoine, director of the Mende Archery Club, highlighted the significance of the achievement. “This victory underscores the dedication of our athletes and the strong support from the local community,” Lemoine said in a press release. “It also reinforces Mende’s reputation as a hub for competitive archery in the south of France.”
The event’s success is also seen as a boost for the Frontignan Archery Center, which hosted the competition for the first time. The facility, which opened in 2020, has since become a key venue for regional and national events. “Hosting this championship has allowed us to showcase our facilities to a wider audience,” said Julien Moreau, the center’s operations manager. “We’re already receiving inquiries about future events, which is a great sign.”
Key Performances and Records Set
Several notable records were set during the competition, with Mende’s archers playing a central role. In the women’s team recurve category, Mende’s squad scored 1,368 points, breaking the previous regional record of 1,350 set in 2020. The team’s members—Martel, 16-year-old Emma Dubois, and 19-year-old Anaïs Renard—credited their preparation and teamwork for the result.
In the men’s individual compound category, 22-year-old Thomas Girard from Mende won gold with a score of 289 out of 300. Girard’s performance was particularly impressive given the high level of competition, as the event attracted top archers from across the region. “I’ve been training intensively for this moment,” Girard said. “It’s rewarding to see the hard work pay off.”
Additionally, Mende’s youth team (ages 12–15) secured second place in the mixed team competition, a testament to the region’s growing talent pool. The team’s coach, Sophie Fournier, emphasized the importance of nurturing young athletes. “These results show that our youth development programs are working,” Fournier said. “We’re laying the groundwork for future success.”
What’s Next for Mende’s Archers?
The victory in Frontignan has positioned Mende’s archers as strong contenders for the 2024 French National Archery Championships, scheduled for March 2024 in Lyon. The FFA has already announced that the regional champions will receive automatic qualification slots for the national event, according to a statement released on October 16.
Local officials are also looking ahead to the 2025 European Archery Championships, which will be hosted in France for the first time. “This success gives us confidence that we can compete at the highest levels,” said Lemoine. “We’re already planning training sessions and selection trials to prepare for the challenges ahead.”
For now, the Mende Archery Club is focusing on celebrating its achievements. A victory parade is planned for October 22 in Mende, where the team will be honored by local officials and fans. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, reflecting the community’s pride in its athletes.
