Paris 2024: Letulle wants to experience a "wave of emotions" in return to Invalides

For French Para archer Damien Letulle, the chance to compete in the Invalides at the Paris 2024 Paralympics carries a special meaning. It is not only because he wants to take part in the biggest showcase of Para sports, but also because he spent time in the Invalides before, rehabilitating from his accident.

Letulle, who competed at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, is hoping to take the spotlight in front of a home crowd in Paris. In January, he was selected for the seven-athlete national team for the 2024 season. Now, he aims to secure one of the six slots that France has in Para archery at the Games.

With six months to go until Paris 2024, the French athlete shared what it means for him to return to the Invalides.

What is the significance of competing at the Invalides? 

The Paralympic Games in Paris will take place at the Invalides. It is an important place for me because it is where I did my rehabilitation for about 18 months following my accident. During that time, I was asking myself so many questions about my future so returning there with a bow in my hand is something that I could have never imagined. 

What does it mean for you to compete at the Paralympics in France? 

I think the fact that France is hosting the Games is what made me decide to come back to archery. If the Games were not taking place in France, I don’t think I would have gotten back into archery.

There are a lot of additional things. My current club is also at the Invalides. Sebastien Flute, who was with me at the Olympics is also from the same archery organisation. So, I want to give it my all at Paris 2024 and experience a wave of emotions at this event.

What do you look forward to at Paris 2024?

The fact that the Games are in France, and my friends and family will be in the stands – it's something close to my heart that they can be part of this big moment in my life. For those who were cheering me on when I was able-bodied and who still encourage me now, I see on social media they are behind me. It’s true that even with a discipline like archery, we are not used to having many spectators. You have to have a strong shell to take all the emotion that you get from the competition.

Looking back, how did you start archery?

I started archery when I was 12 years old, so I have a career that is a bit unique since I took part in able-bodied competitions and followed that with my participation in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

I have always been a competitor. Not getting to run fast or jump high, it is archery that allows me to express my competitive spirit.

What do you remember most about the Atlanta 1996 Olympics?

The memory I have from the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games is the preparation. I remember the year of preparations with my teammates even more than the Games. We were a team with medal potential but in the end, we were beaten in the eighth finals, so it was an uphill battle. I still have memories of the preparation and everything that went into these Games.

Can you share your journey in Para sport?

I fell during training, which left me tetraplegic. Since 1997, I have been living with a disability and I came back to archery with the goal of competing at the Games in Paris.

Before the accident, I was completely involved in archery with the (national) federation and I was president of my club. I started two teams on the able-bodied side, so after my accident, I completely forgot about training in archery. I crossed paths with some Para athletes. I learned that to be one of the best athletes, you have to be an athlete in your everyday life. It made me want it even more.

For me, being an athlete has never changed because I kept the same habits. Even at my first international event in Para sport, it felt like I had never left the sport. I feel good in my environment and I’m putting things in place. We are ahead of the Paralympic Games, and I’m looking for at least a medal at a place where I had been before the accident.

Can you tell us about your goals in sport?

My next goal is the one of my life – it's related to the Paralympic Games in Paris, at the Place des Invalides. I have put in a lot of energy and invested a lot of time, even though my disability is sufficiently heavier compared to my teammates' disability. But I think my experience as an able-bodied athlete will help me stay present in the hardest moments when the arrows hit the targets.

As you set your sights on Paris 2024, is the hard work worth it?

Yes. If I don’t continue preparing despite the difficulties, I feel as though there is still potential and I will try to express it as much as possible. Obviously, there are failures and questions. Is everything worth it? Today, I think it’s a yes. We have the Games and I will give all my time to make sure I do as well as possible.

What do you think is the key to Paralympic success? And what does it take to become a Paralympic champion?

I hope I can tell you after the event in the Invalides! You have to prepare yourself at every instance and you must live that. For many years, you have to integrate your preparation (into your daily life). You have to be sure with your preparation and arrive at the competition with desire and confidence in yourself. Be sure that you have done it all so the competition can go well.

In the end, if you lose to your competitor, it means they are stronger. It is up to us to be on top of all the others. Whatever happens, if we come up against a stronger opponent, we’ll fail. But it’s up to us to rise above the rest.

Book your tickets for the Paralympic Games by visiting the Paris 2024 ticketing website.