The French archery federation has announced the athletes who will represent the nation at the first stage of the 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup, taking place from 8 to 13 April in Central Florida, USA.
The selection process involved 32 recurve archers competing over four days last week in Compiègne, with the top four women and top three men earning their spots on the national team.
The squad includes some of France’s top talents, featuring five Olympians, three of whom are medallists from their home Games of Paris 2024.
On the women’s side, Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Barbelin led the trials, followed by Victoria Sebastian, Caroline Lopez and Amélie Cordeau. These four know each other very well, having already formed a quartet last season and trained together daily for over a year now.
“I’m very happy to be part of the French team once again,” said Barbelin, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “That wonderful medal from Paris is now put away, and I’m ready to win more medals!”
The men’s team comprises Olympic team medallists Thomas Chirault and Baptiste Addis, who are joined by Jules Pedoux, one of France’s most promising young talents. Pedoux has already won several international titles at youth level, including the under-18 world team title in Limerick 2023 alongside Addis.
The surprise came when the third musketeer from Paris 2024, Jean-Charles Valladont – a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic silver medallist – failed to qualify, finishing only fifth in the trials.
