Charline Schwarz on Franco-German friendships… and croissants

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT is presented by WIAWIS.

It’s with a frank smile followed by a small, embarrassed laugh that she says: “Je ne parle pas français.”

German archer Charline Schwarz, world number 16, is in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games. An unusual event which reflects a special symbolism for the young woman, who shoots in France for the Compiègne club.

And yet, Moliere’s language seems to give her more trouble than a range with 70-metre targets.

“My French is really bad,” she almost apologises.

“In fact, it’s hard to imagine myself learning the language. The pronunciation is so difficult, and all the French internationals speak English so well!” 

Nevertheless, France still has a place in the heart of the 23-year-old archer. The Franco-German relationship is dear to her heart, as are her teammates at Compiègne.

“Our two countries are friends after all,” she explains.

“Germans can sometimes be a bit strict and rigid, whereas the atmosphere in France is more relaxed. During competitions, we focus on having fun.”

While Schwarz particularly enjoys competition weekends with her club, she admits to finding guilty pleasures… in pastries.

“I think my favourite thing in France is croissants,” she assures us. “During my first year at Compiègne, there was the covid pandemic and we couldn’t go out. But as soon as we could, I went to a small bakery to buy my first real croissant.”

“I still remember it today, it was so perfect, it was almost surreal!”

Charline Schwarz couldn’t have done it without archery, a discipline that has always been a part of her life.

Born in Nuremberg, Bavaria, young Charline grew up on the shooting ranges of archery clubs and began shooting at an early age. She was already dreaming of the Olympic Games.

“People tell me how, as a little girl, I used to say I wanted to take part in the Games,” she recalls.

In 2016, she watched avidly as her compatriot Lisa Unruh won her individual silver medal at the Rio Games de Rio in what was a memorable final.

“It was a great match,” remembers Schwarz. “I went through an emotional rollercoaster that match! I still remember it.”

Now on the world circuit, the young German is doing everything she can to make her Olympic dream come true. It was in the team event that she won her first medal – silver at the European Championships in Antalya in 2021.

It turned out to be a special season for Schwarz, as she won bronze in her very first Olympics in Tokyo, again in the team event.

Since then, she has accomplished a string of podium finishes with her German teammates. Every year, German women’s team have shown their level and ambitions.

A journey that has inevitably prepared Schwarz for the Paris 2024 Games. 

The last 12 months have been particularly intense, she admits, in order to be in optimum shape mentally and physically upon arriving in the French capital.

“The German selection process was long and stressful,” she explains. “It was very difficult to earn my place. The German archers are very strong, and it was intense.”

“When I got my selection for the Games, at first, I felt relieved. I told myself that the last 10 years of hard work had been worth it, then I felt very happy to have reached my goal.”

“But I also felt a lot of sadness for the teammates who didn’t manage to qualify,” adds Charline. “We’re a team, and I’ve thought a lot about them.”

Arriving in France with ambitions, the German archer is obviously hoping to adorn herself with a new medal by the end of the competition. 

“I want to be able to say at the end that I’ve done my best, that I’ve reached my maximum capacity,” she says. “I want to feel good about myself.”

“Of course, the aim is to win another medal. But it’s a result that’s not entirely up to me; it also depends on all the other archers. So, I want to focus on myself and see what happens.”

Charline Schwarz and the German team could well cross paths with the French. Because if the women’s team event is a real podium opportunity for Germany, it’s also the case for the French archers.

And it wouldn’t be the first time France and its neighbour from the other side of the Rhine have faced each other: in 2023, at home in Berlin, Schwarz and her teammates Michelle Kroppen and Katharina Bauer won the World Championships by beating the French 5-3 in the final.

A rivalry that exists on the shooting range, but not off it, according to Charline.

“I have a very good relationship with the French team,” she assures us. “I’m always happy to see them compete, and we have a great time together.”

“We always wish each other success. That’s one of the things I like about archery and Franco-German relations.”

“I won’t have any particular message at the time addressed for the Games,” continues Schwarz. “I simply wish us all a great competition.”

After qualifying as the 45th seed at Les Invalides on Thursday, Charline hopes that her bond with France will only grow stronger during the Paris Olympic Games.

“I’d just like to say to the French people that I’m sorry I don’t speak the language,” she adds, “But I’m very happy for all those who will be in front of their TVs or in Paris to watch archery and all the other sports.”

“Please encourage us archers, and you can encourage me if you like!” she laughs.

“Honestly, I just want all the French people to have a great time.”