Toucoullet claims defeat as “very painful” after early exit on home soil

Top seed Guillaume Toucoullet had boosted France’s hopes of a medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with his qualifying performance, but the local hero’s campaign came short this Wednesday.

The Frenchman lost to Colombia’s Héctor Julio Ramirez in his first match.

“It’s very painful,” the 39-year-old claimed following his unexpected knock-out. “It’s not the result I wished.”

“I didn’t win even one match. I’m upset, but just about myself,” added Toucoullet, without looking for excuses.

Toucoullet had a difficult start to the match against his opponent of the day, trailing 0-4 after two sets.

“It’s as it is. I did my best, but the opponent was better than me.”

“I’m disappointed,” he briefly described his feelings.

Threatened with an early exit, the French archer regained his momentum and won the next two sets with 28 and 27 to level at 4-4.

“I made some changes after the first set, and after that, I shot well.”

And it seemed possible. 

But the local hero shot an eight in the fifth and final set when he needed a 10 to force a shoot-off.

“I couldn’t understand why my last arrow was an eight,” Guillaume said thoughtfully.

The Frenchman’s presence in the Invalides arena today gathered a massive crowd in the stands, and each of his 10s evoked applause.

“It was incredible. The atmosphere was very, very nice.”

“I’m disappointed for the fans, too. I couldn’t give them another match.” 

Toucoullet will have one more shot at a medal, as he will partner with Aziza Benhami in the recurve mixed event on Thursday for the final day of archery in Paris.

Recurve men’s medal matches take place on Wednesday afternoon at the Invalides.