ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT is presented by WIAWIS.
France’s Victoria Sebastian claimed the recurve women’s title at the Taipei Archery Open in December 2025, securing her first senior individual crown after a breakout indoor season last year hinted that a major victory was only a matter of time.
The 21-year-old from Nimes, a strong advocate of a cool and analytical approach to shooting, was clear about what made the difference.
“I would say I succeeded in Taipei because I stayed focused on my process, with a lot of rigour on every arrow, while still keeping a playful mindset.”
She managed to get over an airline hiccup which saw her bow arrive just 30 minutes before qualification began on the Friday.
“It caused a bit of stress because it was the first time something like that had happened to me,” she explained. “It slightly affected my first ends in qualification, before I managed to relax and shoot in the most stable and precise way possible.”
Remarkably, all three travelling French archers – Sebastian, Baptiste Addis, and Jean-Charles Valladont – medalled in Taipei, with Addis taking bronze in recurve men and Valladont silver.
Even more remarkably, they all come from the same club: Arc Club de Nîmes, which has produced many international medallists over the last decades.
Did that make a difference – even subconsciously?
“Yes, our group dynamic definitely played a role,” said Victoria. “Being several athletes from the same club, and training together on a daily basis, means we know each other well. That creates a good atmosphere and strong synergy within this small group. I also think we all came to enjoy shooting archery.”
