This four-day event attracted a crowd eager to experience the thrill of this lesser-known sport compared to more commercial disciplines. With live music and stage shows, the event featured try-out sessions led by Archery GB staff and local archery club volunteers.

Using beginner-friendly archery equipment and materials, people of all ages and skill levels had the chance to immerse themselves in the Olympic spirit on British soil and try out this iconic sport, which has roots dating back to significant developments in Asia and the Islamic world centuries ago.

Mounted archers were once a major military force in Genghis Khan's formidable army. The rise of firearms pushed archery to the sidelines until it saw a resurgence in the 18th century among the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy, supported by George, Prince of Wales, and collector Sir Ashton Lever. From there, it gradually grew into the modern competitions we know today.

Returning to the present, it is worth noting that the Team event culminated with a special visit: the Olympic archers who represented Great Britain in Paris—Megan Havers, Bryony Pitman, Penny Healey, Tom Hall, Conor Hall, and Alex Wise—joined the activities, sharing their experiences with attendees after their return from Paris.

These athletes, who finished ninth in the team events and later competed in individual events, actively participated in the try-out sessions, passing on their passion for archery to the younger generation.

Gayle Pink, Head of Participation at Archery GB, said: "It was incredible to see so many people participating in the try-out sessions. After such an exciting Olympic Games, the fan zone was a great opportunity to celebrate our archers and showcase the fun and benefits of this wonderful sport."

Against the stunning backdrop of Les Invalides, in front of an 8,000-strong crowd, Team GB's archers gave their all against high-level competition. Sixteen-year-old Olympic debutant Megan Havers made it to the last 16 in the women’s individual competition. Although she managed to level the first set against Korean archer Lim Sihyeon, the latter won 7-1 and ultimately claimed gold in the individual category.

Reflecting on her performance, Megan said: "Finishing in ninth place and shooting as I did has left me very motivated for the next Olympics. I had no idea what to expect, but now I know how to handle future competitions."

In the men’s category, Tom Hall advanced to the last 16 but was defeated by German archer Florian Unruh with a score of 7-3. Alex Wise and Conor Hall, along with Bryony Pitman and Penny Healey, finished outside the top 16 in their respective events, with Pitman and Wise ending in 17th place and Healey in 33rd in her Olympic debut.

The sport, like the competition, never rests. Thus, calendars are already marked with a highlighter for August 29, the date when the Paralympic archers representing Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin the qualification round and bring joy to one of the leading countries in contemporary archery.