The Frenchwoman Lisa Barbelin, 21, put her name on the list of winners of the “Sud de France Nîmes archery tournament”, the French stage of the World Cup in indoor archery, this Sunday in the prefecture of Gard. She dominated, in a 100% tricolor final, the 18-year-old prodigy and junior world champion Caroline Lopez.
Less quantity (700 archers instead of a large thousand expected), less quality, inevitably, with the absence of Asians and Americans due to the health context, but just as many emotions and suspense: the 24th edition of the “Sud de France archery tournament”, the French stage of the Indoor World Cup organized each year in January in Nîmes, was once again a success.
It came down to the last arrow
Under the eyes of the president of the French Archery Federation (FFTA), Jean-Michel Cléroy, who is aiming for at least “a gold medal for (his) discipline at the 2024 Paris Olympics”, the international event gave birth to a 100% French women’s final. Lisa Barbelin (21), French number 1, world 4th and reigning European champion, won after suspense and the jump-off arrow against her club partner (Riom, Auvergne) Caroline Lopez, while just 18 and cadet world champion in 2021.
Lisa Barbelin: “An explosion of emotions!”
“It’s the first time I’ve taken part in the Nîmes event as seniors, and I’ve won it. It’s an explosion of emotions, I’m extremely happy,” said Lisa Barbelin, 8th finalist at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo. It was a crazy final from start to finish. Caroline (Lopez) was impressive. It’s so good!”
German Felix Wieser surprise and perfect winner
Among the men, the German Felix Wieser, not expected at this level, will have flown over the weekend. Coming out first in the qualifications with a total of 596 out of 600 (including a 300 out of 300 during the second series), he dominated in the final, this Sunday, the Dutchman Steve Wijler (25), holder of the Nîmes title and medalist of silver at the Tokyo Olympics in the mixed event.
The 28-year-old world number 64 will have signed a clear round, fifteen 10s, in the final duel! “It’s unbelievable! I find it hard to believe. I had great feelings all weekend long. It’s my biggest victory!”
The Nîmes revelation, the young Iban Bariteaud, 17, therefore has no regrets to have: the last Frenchman in the running, he will have fallen, in the quarter-finals, against the future winner.
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