Worlds start in Dubai

Five months after the Paralympic Games in Beijing and two years before those in Paris, the French disabled archery team is competing in the World Para Archery Championships in Dubai. The competition, initially scheduled for 2021, postponed due to Covid-19, opened on February 19, 2022 and will end on February 27. Five French archers (Julie Rigault-Chupin, Maxime Guerin, Thierry, Daniel Lelou and Guillaume Toucoullet) are in the running among the 223 athletes in the competition. They will face around forty nations except China, which is absent from this sporting event. Training began on February 15 under the Emirati sun. Julie Rigault-Chupin will open the ball for the first French matches on February 22 from 9 a.m.

A French hope?

All hopes are allowed according to trainer Vincent Hybois: ” The selection selected for this world championship has progressed and shown a very high level of performance during the selection tests by exceeding or approaching the world records in their category. We know they are ready to enter this competition with confidence and ambition having everything in place to achieve their goals. »

However, French athletes had to redouble their efforts before the opening of this somewhat special world championship, in the heart of winter… Accustomed to training indoors at this time of year, the French archers had to recreate the conditions of the world by practicing outside in France, in sometimes freezing weather. Once there in Dubai, change of scenery. The thermometer displays scorching temperatures. Vincent Hybois is however confident: “ It is up to us, both staff and archers, to live the competition fully and with serenity, they have the ingredients to go as far as possible. ».

To follow the adventures of the French team, go to their official Facebook page “ France para archery team ».