Français
At the end of August, six Francs Archers de Saint-Barth took part in the FFTL French Championship in course shooting, held in Trémolat, Dordogne. 330 archers from all over France competed in a 15-hectare forest in four demanding disciplines: Hunter (fast, precise shooting), Field (varied, technical distances), Animal Round (animal targets on silhouettes) and 3D (life-size animals in volume and compensated foam).
The Saint-Barth delegation made their mark on the competition not only with their results, but also with "their exemplary attitude and smile, despite extreme conditions and a huge gap between the youngsters' equipment and that of their opponents", explains club treasurer Manuel Georges.
In the youth category, Himani Rabreau (cadet, recurve bow) and Bella Rinaldo (cadet, sighted bow) came home with gold medals, and silver for Kaylee Magras (junior, sighted bow).
"Our 3 youngsters achieved personal bests never achieved in training, proving once again their mental strength and ability to surpass themselves in an unfamiliar environment. What's more, they shot with basic equipment, whereas others of the same age often had semi-professional bows", says Stéphane.
Among the adults, Manuel Georges, in the veteran category, also put in a solid performance, returning to the island with the title of French champion.
The club underlines one of the highlights of this adventure: "the Francs Archers achieved exceptional results with simple equipment, while their opponents benefited from semi-professional bows and accessories, and train and take part in competitions every weekend in the forest. It's a contrast that commands respect and makes the obvious point: with high-performance equipment and increased support, the potential for progress is immense. The mind has compensated for what the equipment could not. But if we want to aim for the international podiums, we'll have to go one step further.
Goals for 2026 and beyond
The club, which currently has 48 members of all ages and all disciplines: classic sighted bow, compound, longbow, hunting bow, traditional bow, barebow, makes no secret of its ambitions: participation in the Parcours France FFTL, to be held in Confolent (Nouvelle Aquitaine) next August, European Championship selections and the ultimate goal, the World Championship in the USA at Yankton in South Dakota. "The adults are already aiming for this, and the youngsters could join them if subsidies and sponsors follow," says the club, adding: "This year's feat demonstrates the potential of the Francs Archers. But to take things to the next level, the club needs additional resources: top-level equipment: bows, arrows, sights and stabilizers adapted to international competitions, not forgetting travel assistance. "
Are you interested in archery?
Young or old, beginner or advanced: the club welcomes you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4.45pm to 6.30pm.
Contact & Information: Tel: 06 90 75 52 49 - Email: lesfrancsarcherssbh@gmail.com
The Francs Archers would like to take this opportunity to thank their partners: La Cave du Port Franc, St Barth Enseigne, Tom Food, L'Atelier Couillard, Bati VRD, Super U, Monoprix, HL Hippolyte Lédée, 3D Archery, GEC St-Barth, Eden Rock , St Barth Energie
