A very successful Championship !
On Saturday 23rd September the Championships continued in the morning with the semi-finals which took place in the magnificent “Jardin de Doms” in central Avignon with a few rather special targets, in particular, two swordfish emerging from the fountain. Superb! Naturally there were a lot of spectators for this event, especially French team supporters. Six French archers had been selected for the finals: Robin Gardeur, Marjorie Puech, Joan Pauner, Aude Ama, Elodie Galvez and David Jackson. They would have to wait for a few more hours before attempting to win the prize medals in this epic event.
In the afternoon the delegations arrived at “le Cour du Palais des Papes” before a large audience which filled the galleries. The battles began with the team semi-finals in which, to rapturous applause, the French archers, Joan Pauner, Robin Gardeur and David Jackson carried off bronze medals in the face of their Italian adversaries! The USA then went on to beat the Spanish in the finals.
In the individual events, David Jackson finished fourth, along with Elodie Galvez. Marjorie Puech, who had a hand injury, ultimately give way to the Austrian after a hard struggle, bringing home the silver medal, at only one point away from the gold! Finally Aude Ama, Joan Pauner and Robin Gardeur, the three untouchables, seized three glorious gold medals to the cheers and applause of the jubilant spectators and supporters. Magnificent!
Afterwards there was the Awards ceremony where the team of French archers and the volunteers of the organisation committee came together to hug one another and rejoice in their success. These Championships will serve as a mark of the spirit of achievement attained, not only from the point of view of sportsmanship but also in point of view of the organisation. Thanks to the personal investment of Michel Daumas and his hundred helpers and volunteers who were present throughout the week, this event was tremendous!
Sportsmen and women, and volunteers, an enormous thank you to you all!
