Girouille back to competition in Shanghai

Away from the international circuit for two years, Romain Girouille has an enviable record at Archery World Cup stages.

He had individual first places in 2008 and 2009, won bronze at the Archery World Cup Final at Lausanne 2008 – and has plenty of other international podiums on his record, while holding the European records for the 36-arrow rounds at 70- and 50-metres.

At official practice in Shanghai, Girouille explained his absence.

“I stopped my archery career to finish my studies,” he said. “I finished last December. So now I’m back.”

Romain is also now the senior coach in charge of archery development for a region in the South of France. But in Shanghai, he’s focused on his own results.

“I’m feeling good today. I shot a lot of arrows and it seems to be working.”

At his first Archery World Cup stage since 2012, Romain still hopes to leave Shanghai with a medal – either in the team or individual events.

“It’s the first test,” he explains – on a tough road back, considering the long-time talent in the French team: “I hope to be at the worlds in Copenhagen, but the selection shoot is next month.”

The reason for Romain’s return to the field seems clear – the Rio Olympics are close – but he insists his primary motive is pleasure.

“Well, I do hope to be at the Olympics, and I hope to get a medal there” he admitted. Girouille competed at the last two Games, but lost in the first round at Beijing and the second at London.

“After two years without training or competition, I just really wanted to shoot.”

Good to have you back, Romain!