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New faces join Olympic medallists in France’s LA28 quota squad

07 septembre 2026

Compiègne (France)

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France has named a 12-archer recurve squad for the 2027 season following national selection trials held in Compiègne from 1 to 4 September.

Six women and six men earned their places after four days of competition, with the eight highest-ranked archers in each category after the first two days progressing to the final selection phase.

For Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Barbelin, the intense selection process came at a cost.

“I’m coming out completely drained, really, really tired from the intensity I had to maintain,” she said. “And especially from building up my performance as the week went on. I think that’s what really exhausted me. I’m very happy with the journey I’ve been on.”

The women’s squad features Barbelin, alongside fellow Olympians Amélie Cordeau and Caroline Lopez. Victoria Sebastian adds international experience, while 18-year-old Laï-Tsan Randriantsara and 19-year-old Mila Fremery Delestan are among the younger members, with Fremery-Delestan making her World Cup debut in 2026.

For 17-year-old Maël Lamouret, earning his place in the squad marks an important step towards his senior career and the Olympic quota campaign.

“I don’t realise it yet, but I’m happy,” he said. “This selection is a key for the future, for the Olympic Games. Next year, I’m going to try to work extremely hard and become even better.”

France named its recurve women squad for 2027.

France named its recurve men squad for 2027.

The men’s squad comprises Paris 2024 team silver medallists Thomas Chirault, Baptiste Addis and Jean-Charles Valladont, alongside Romain Viale and senior debutants Maël Lamouret and Florian Bossard.

“The goal will be to take steps forward as a senior, compete at World Cups and finish in the top three to go and get the quotas for the Games,” Lamouret added.

The 12 archers will join France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) next week to begin preparations under head coach Oh Seon Tek and national coaches Jean-Manuel Tizzoni and Romain Girouille.

The main objective will be to secure Olympic quotas for LA28, with opportunities coming at the European Games in Istanbul in June and the Hyundai World Archery Championships in Medellin in October 2027.

The road to Los Angeles now begins for France’s newly selected squad.

Images courtesy of French archery federation.