France, a nation with a rich history in European athletics, is determined to reclaim a top spot on the podium at the upcoming European Team Championships in Madrid. Their ambitious squad is spearheaded by reigning pole vault world champion Marie-Julie Bonnin, alongside talented long jumper Hilary Kpatcha and impressive middle-distance runner Agathe Guillemot. With a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent, the French team is poised to make a significant impact.
France, a historical powerhouse in European athletics, arrives in Madrid with a clear objective: to reclaim a podium spot. After securing third place in 2015, 2017, and 2019, the team finished sixth and seventh in the last two editions. This year, they’ve assembled a formidable squad to achieve their goal. Leading the charge is Marie-Julie Bonnin, the reigning indoor world champion and continental bronze medalist. The 23-year-old pole vaulter from Bordeaux is having a sensational 2025 season, having recently matched the French national record with a vault of 4.75m.
Key Athletes to Watch
- Hillary Kpatcha will be a strong contender in the long jump. She finished second in this competition two years ago and achieved a personal best this season, surpassing the 7-meter barrier with a jump of 7.02m. Kpatcha also brings a strong youth record, including an U23 European Championship title and an U20 World bronze.
- Middle-distance runner Agathe Guillemot is another proven talent. The French national record holder in the 1500m (3:56.69), she will compete in her specialty on the Vallehermoso green track. Her fantastic year includes an indoor European Championship gold, adding to the bronze she earned last summer in Rome.
- In the men’s 1500m, keep an eye on U23 athlete Anas Lagtiy Chaudar, a promising miler who has run a swift 3:31.58.
- Anais Bourgoin is set to impress in the 800m. The Rome bronze medalist recently set a new personal best of 1:57.81, making her a strong contender.
- In the hammer throw, the imposing Yann Chaussinand (1.96m, 110kg) is expected to contribute significant points, following his impressive 81.91m throw in May.
This is the team that Romain Barras, high performance director of the French Athletics Federation, believes will bring success back from the Spanish capital.
Women’s Events:
- 100m: Sarah Richard-Mingas
- 200m: Helene Parisot
- 400m: Amandine Brossier
- 800m: Anais Bourgoin
- 1500m: Agathe Guillemot
- 5000m: Alessia Zarbo
- 110m Hurdles: Sacha Alessandrini
- 400m Hurdles: Louise Maraval
- 3000m Steeplechase: Flavie Renouard
- High Jump: Solene Gicquel
- Pole Vault: Marie-Julie Bonnin
- Long Jump: Hilary Kpatcha
- Triple Jump: Illinois Guillaume
- Shot Put: Amanda Ngandu-Ntumba
- Discus Throw: Melina Robert-Michon
- Hammer Throw: Rose Loga
- Javelin Throw: Alizee Minard
- 4 x 100m Relay: Sarah Richard Mingas, Helene Parisot, Lucie Jean-Charles, Carolle Zahi, Noemie Denon, Naomi Riskwait
Men’s Events:
- 100m: Jeff Erius
- 200m: Theo Schaub
- 400m: Teo Andant
- 800m: Corentin Magnou
- 1500m: Anas Lagtiy Chaudar
- 5000m: Bastien Augusto
- 110m Hurdles: Romain Lecoeur
- 400m Hurdles: Hugo Menin
- 3000m Steeplechase: Nicolas-Marie Daru
- High Jump: Elijah Pasquier
- Pole Vault: Thibaut Collet
- Long Jump: Julien Pauthonnier
- Triple Jump: Jonathan Seremes
- Shot Put: Frederic Dagee
- Discus Throw: Lolassonn Djouhan
- Hammer Throw: Yann Chaussinand
- Javelin Throw: Remi Rougetet
- 4 x 100m Relay: Jeff Erius, Theo Schaub, Jerry Leconte, Antoine Thoraval, Aymeric Priam, Ylann Bizasene
Mixed Event:
- 4 x 400m Mixed Relay: Fanny Peltier, Amandine Brossier, Louise Maraval, Alexe Deau, Biron Gilles, Yann Spillmann, Teo Andant
