The French Elite Athletics Championships, held from June 28 to 30 in Angers, represent the last opportunity for committed athletes to qualify for the Paris Games.
Three years after their last appearance, the French Elite Athletics Championships are back at the Josette-et-Roger-Mikulak stadium. From June 28 to 30, no less than 600 athletes are expected in Angers to compete for the various national titles, but not only that… Indeed, the competition represents the last opportunity for the French to qualify for the Paris Games.
Some will refine their Olympic preparation…
Among the athletes already qualified for the Olympic events, we find the European champion in the women’s 100m hurdles Cyréna Samba-Mayela but also Benjamin Robert (800m), both French champions three years ago on this same track . Thibaut Collet, who recently raised his personal best to 5.95 m in pole vault, should win the national title. Yanis Méziane and Gabriel Tual, European champion over 800 m, have already achieved the minimums and can continue their rise in power. Azeddine Habz over 1,500 m, Alice Finot over 3,000 m steeplechase or Sasha Zhoya over 110 m hurdles are in the same vein.
…while others will try to get their ticket
Big names in French athletics are always looking for a performance capable of sending them to the Stade de France this summer. This is particularly the case of Renaud Lavillenie in pole vaulting. The 2012 London Games gold medalist must pass 5.82m, a bar which has so far remained out of reach since his return from injury. Gilles Biron, Téo Andant and David Sombé, reigning world vice-champions in the men’s 4x400m, will seek to qualify individually. In the hammer throw, we will have to carefully observe the performance of 2019 world medalist Quentin Bigot. Well placed in the world rankings, Mélina Robert-Michon can ensure her qualification for her seventh Olympic Games this weekend. To do this, the Rio 2016 Olympic vice-champion will have to throw above 64.50 m. If she succeeds, this could allow her to be even more legitimate in carrying the flag of the tricolor delegation on July 26 during the opening ceremony.
