French Athletics Team Announces First Selection for 2025 World Championships

On August 5, 2025, the French Athletics Federation revealed the first selection of 33 athletes who will represent France at the World Championships set to take place in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. This announcement comes as the federation aims to improve upon the team's previous performance, where they only achieved one silver medal in 2023.

Notable figures in this initial selection include Renaud Lavillenie, a distinguished pole vaulter, who is making a comeback after missing the last World Championships in Eugene. Lavillenie, now 38 years old and the current French champion, hopes to secure another championship title in Japan. Joining him are promising athletes such as Azeddine Habz, Gabriel Tual, and Alice Finot, each looking to capture medals in their respective events. Intriguingly, Cyréna Samba-Mayela, who earned a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics, is part of the team but is under pressure to demonstrate her form and capability at this level after some inconsistent performances this season.

The selection process will remain open until August 24, with athletes still having the opportunity to secure their spots based on performances in the upcoming weeks. Additional athletes closely monitored for their potential inclusion include Rénelle Lamote in the 800m, Louise Maraval in the 400m hurdles, Auriana Lazraq Khlass for the heptathlon, and Clément Ducos in the 400m hurdles. Interestingly, Thibaut Collet, another highly-regarded pole vaulter, is not part of the provisional list but still has a chance to impress selectors before the final announcement.

Confirmed athletes for the 110m hurdles include Just Kwaou-Mathey, Sasha Zhoya, and Wilhem Belocian, who ranked as the top three at the French Championships. The final list of selected athletes is set to be published on September 1, thus providing a clearer picture of France's strength heading into the championships.