Since 2020, the two archers of the French Team, Thomas Chirault and Lisa Barbelin, have been sharing their lives. They confide in us about their close relationship and its influence on their respective careers.
When asked how long they have been together, Lisa challenges Thomas with her gaze. The Clermont native stutters. “2020,” Lisa helps him. “Already? It goes by quickly,” Thomas tries to catch up. It’s the story of a love that began at Insep where Cupid shot his arrow at the two archers of the French Team. “We both evolved in high-level structures. We were often together in competitions and it happened naturally,” Lisa Barbelin rewinds.
For four years, the archery couple has traveled together to the French Team competitions. A luxury they were deprived of by Thomas Chirault’s injury last year. “I wasn’t selected with the Blues. It was tough and Lisa was a point of contact for me. She allowed me to stay in touch with the French group and come back to join the Olympic team.”
>> All the latest news from the Paris Olympics
Since 2020, the two archers of the French Team Thomas Chirault and Lisa Barbelin have shared their lives – RMC Sport
“It was a heartbreaking year for me,” Lisa adds. “I was leaving without him but fortunately since we’ve been together we’ve grown individually. It’s a strength to have Thomas with me. He has great self-confidence and that brings me a lot. He’s my pillar and helps me move forward.”
A golden couple in a few weeks?
It must be said that the couple complement each other well. On one side, Lisa, energetic and bubbly. On the other, Thomas, more calm and reserved. “He channels me and I make him smile!”, sums up Lisa. At Insep, where they are preparing for the Games, Thomas and Lisa put their complicity to the service of training: “We compete, we tease each other,” smiles Thomas. “We have little games that allow us to stay motivated on a daily basis and have an escape when things are not going well.”
But if archery takes up their days, there is no question of living only for their sport. “When we are at home, we close the door to archery and only Thomas and Lisa remain,” explains the 24-year-old archer.
In a few weeks, the archery couple from Auvergne will face the biggest challenge of their lives: the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. For them, it will be their second Olympiad after Tokyo in 2021. Each on their own, they will be involved in the individual and team tournaments but are hoping to compete together in the mixed doubles. “It makes us dream but for the moment the team is not defined,” Lisa explains cautiously. “It is not the easiest discipline because there are few arrows to shoot so it is always down to nothing.”
Thomas also prefers not to get carried away: “Obviously, our couple would be an asset but there is work to be done beforehand. We are together in life but on the field we are two professionals and must make this switch to be efficient and not let ourselves be fooled by our relationship. But on the other hand, the advantage is that we know each other by heart.” Thomas Chirault – Lisa Barbelin, a golden couple who will perhaps be a little more so in a few weeks.
Top Articles
2024-07-03 17:22:16
#Thomas #Chirault #Lisa #Barbelin #couple #Online #Games #sights
