France Concludes 2026 European Championships with 11 Medals Including Bronze in Athletics and Water Skiing

The 2026 European Championships wrapped up with France securing a total of 11 medals, though no golds were won, highlighting both achievements and challenges across disciplines. In athletics, Hilary Kpatcha earned a bronze in the long jump with a leap of 6.98 meters, just behind Italy’s Larissa Iapichino (7m) and Britain’s Jazmin Sawyers (6.99m). Baptiste Thiery claimed bronze in the pole vault, clearing 5.85 meters, trailing Greek Emmanouil Karalis (6m) and Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, who won despite a minor injury. Agathe Guillemot narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the 1500m and expressing disappointment in her performance. Other French athletes faced stiff competition: Nicolas-Marie Daru and Pierry Boudy placed fifth and eighth in the 3000m steeplechase respectively, while javelin thrower Alizée Minard finished fifth close to her personal best. The women's 4x400m relay team also came fifth behind the dominant Dutch squad.

In water skiing, 23-year-old Perrine Sonier showcased remarkable resilience. Despite suffering rib injuries the day before competition, she competed and won a bronze medal in the jump event at the European Open Championships. A member of SNMCA since childhood, Sonier emphasized the critical role of timing and determination, reflecting on her intense week including national victories and a professional podium. Her club president lauded the collective support behind her success. Sonier plans a recovery period before aiming for the 2027 World Championships in Australia.

These performances encapsulate both the high level and the hurdles faced by French athletes at the European stage in 2026, closing the championships with promising results yet room for growth.