Revelations from the flying squirrel !

In just two weeks, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin, running from August 28th to September 8th. Following spectacular display at the Olympic Games, focus will shift to the 4,400 athletes from around the world competing for the Paralympic titles in 23 different sports.

And among them is our ProStaff Uukha Guillaume Toucoullet, who will be competing in the Recurve Men Open category, and who agreed, just a few days before the opening ceremony, to share few secrets with us...

So Guillaume, what's in your case?

This exceptional archer, who shoots with his mouth using a leather tab on the string, has all the usual gear. But when you look closer, some details really say a lot about Guillaume's personality...

First of all, Guillaume is Basque (from south-west region of France) and proud of it! So naturally, the Basque cross, or "Lauburu" in Basque, is a must-have for him. He also emphasizes French craftsmanship, as all accessories on his bow , except for his clicker, are "Made in France", by Arc Système. His bow, crafted by passionate Uukha's team, is his game partner. We have even designed a custom grip for him that not only features national flag but is also tailored to his hand's grip. With his Xpro 2 riser and SX+ limbs, Guillaume enjoys the best combination of pleasure, comfort, and performance!

He also always wears a cap from his other sponsor, Star Archerie. Even though he'd never leave his native Basque country, he is a proud member of the Compiègne club in northern Paris and competes on D1 team.

Do you have a special diet during competitions?

A keen sportsman, Guillaume has a background in high-energy sports like pelota and rowing, both of which he has practiced at a high level. His extraordinary physical abilities and deep understanding of his body mean he doesn't follow a specific diet during archery competitions. As he puts it, "At the end of a shooting session, this is mentally that I am drained."

Do you have a special ritual for concentrating?

"I'm a metalhead!" Gone are the days of soft music... 
"What really helps me concentrate is heavy metal! Metal motivates me and puts me in a state of focus," says Guillaume. "I only think about my shooting technique, and energy has to be put in the right place, that's what's important." 
This is why he always carries his headphones with him, even during training sessions. Guillaume often shoots to the sound of music, saying, "I don't necessarily listen to it closely, but it's there in the background, and I like it."

Have you got a lucky charm?

Jovial and full of humor, Guillaume becomes a bit more serious when he shares, "Yes, I always carry around a wooden arrow from my son." 
This arrow, given to him by his 5-year-old son Patxi, is easily recognizable by its yellow foam tip. It has become one of Guillaume's must-have items, always kept in his quiver. Although Patxi won't be present at Les Invalides, it's safe to assume that throughout every stage of Paris event, alongside his family who will be there, Guillaume will be thinking of his son.

Guillaume and his partner in mixed team, Aziza Benhami, both shoot with a full Uukha bow. We are very proud to support these two archers, as well as the entire French Para-archery team.