Engaged in international downwind challenges, raced over courses approaching 20 kilometers, Axel Pham once again showcased the full extent of his talent. The Tahitian athlete delivered two excellent performances, finishing third and second in the two races scheduled.
He notably stood out against Australian Kai Thompson, one of the world’s top specialists in the discipline, thereby confirming his ability to compete with the international elite.
These outstanding results allow him to claim the French Downwind Championship title, since this international competition also served as the national championship.
Naumi Eychenne also crowned French champion
In the women’s category, Naumi Eychenne delivered another national title for French Polynesia by becoming the French Downwind Champion.
Already notably brilliant on the international circuit, the Tahitian confirms her status among the world’s best specialists in the discipline. World champion in 2026, she had, a few days earlier, won the two women’s heats of the Saint-Tropez Wings, thus taking the lead in the opening stage of the 2026-2027 global circuit.
With this new national title, Naumi Eychenne continues her excellent season and contributes to the prominence of Polynesian foil.
A men’s podium in Tahitian colors!
The final French Championship standings underscore the solid performance of Polynesian representatives. Behind Axel Pham, crowned French champion, Thomas Goyard takes second place, while Raiarii Fadier climbs onto the podium’s third step.
Another Tahitian, one of the Haumani twins, finishes in fourth place. A remarkable team performance that highlights the level of the homeland’s athletes in this sport.
Two French Championship titles in a few days for Axel Pham
After winning the first-ever French surf foil champion title, Axel Pham confirms his excellent form by adding a second national crown to his résumé.
His performances against the world’s top specialists also fuel grand ambitions on the international circuit. The Tahitian still has a real shot at the world title, which is decided over the course of the season.
A third title in sight for Sunday?
And the journey isn’t over yet for the Tahitian! This Sunday, Axel Pham will contest a final event at the Crozon Foil Festival: the dock start, a spectacular discipline that involves launching from a dock and propelling a foil board through body movements.
Another opportunity for the Polynesian champion to shine and, perhaps, to clinch a third national title in a matter of days.
With the crowning of Axel Pham and Naumi Eychenne, not to mention Raiarii Fadier’s podium, Tahitian foil confirms once again its excellence on both national and international stages.
