08/05/2025
Anna Maillard: Portrait of a Pétanque Champion from Team OBUT
Getting to Know Anna Maillard: an Inspiring Figure in French Pétanque
Anna Maillard, a leading figure in French pétanque, has built an exceptional track record and a reputation that goes far beyond competition courts. Born on September 28, 1991, in Castillon (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), she quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her talent and determination. Her victories in major competitions — including the World Championship in triplette in 2017 — are proof of her excellence.
Beyond her athletic performance, Anna Maillard is admired for her commitment and inspiring personality. Her interviews reveal a thoughtful, passionate woman with strong values. She is a role model for many young pétanque players, and her influence goes well beyond the sport itself. Her experience and expertise are widely recognized, as she regularly takes part in training camps, sharing her skills alongside other major names in the game.
Since when have you been playing pétanque?
Since I was 11 — so for 22 years now.
Which model of boules are you currently playing with? Why?
I play with Obut RCX boules. I like the feel of stainless steel and the smooth surface without grooves. The RCX performs well on all types of terrain while maintaining excellent cushioning.
What year did you join Obut?
In 2011🙂
An inspiring quote you like
"Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others make it happen."
Michael Jordan
In your opinion, what personal trait defines you the most?
Discretion.
Besides pétanque, do you have other passions?
Backpacking: discovering other cultures, landscapes, ways of life, and culinary specialties.
That links to another passion of mine: good food 😊 and I also love cooking!
Apart from that, I really enjoy music in general.
What’s your best pétanque memory?
Winning the World Championship in China was an incredibly emotional moment. Even though everyone dreams of the title, we weren’t the favorites. Angélique, Caroline, Charlotte and I had little or no experience playing together, and our team preparation beforehand wasn’t ideal.
Yet we adapted in every match, drawing on each other’s strengths and trying to get the very best from ourselves — with the support of our coach, Jean-Philippe. It was a mix of determination, doubt, tolerance, and drive that brought us to victory, together.
Besides the dream title, what made the memory even more special was that my family was there in China. The joy was multiplied in such conditions.
What’s your worst pétanque memory?
The last World Championship I played in, in Spain in 2021, remains a bittersweet memory. The result was respectable — we lost in the final, 13 to 12 — but a refereeing decision during the game was hard to accept. The overall atmosphere of the championship and within Team France lacked that extra spark that can make all the difference in winning.
Why choose Obut?
It was an honor and a great mark of recognition to be invited to join Team Obut at the age of 18 — and it still is today.
What I love about this brand is its image: a French, family-run company that blends tradition and modernity.
As a player, product quality is of course the key factor in choosing Obut — both for the boules and the clothing line.
In short, Obut is pure class!
Do you have a story to share with the Obut team?
Yes — the International in Île Rousse! I remember a thunderstorm that suddenly hit right in the middle of the competition. I was at the truck with Annick and Marc, and I helped them as best I could while they were being “raided” for umbrellas!
I also loved having coffee with them by the truck — it was a calm and soothing break during the intensity of competition.
Which title left the biggest impression on you?
The World Championship in China, of course — but the 2012 European Championship, won with Angélique, Cindy, and Ludivine, is also a great memory. Especially because we had an unforgettable evening on the dance floor during the closing ceremony in Bratislava!
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