Julia Simon has made history as the first Frenchwoman to clinch an Olympic gold medal in the women’s 15-kilometer individual biathlon event at the Milan Cortina Games. This achievement comes on the heels of a turbulent past that nearly derailed her Olympic dreams.
Last year, Simon faced serious legal consequences when she was found guilty of theft and credit card fraud. The accusations involved her misuse of the bank card belonging to her teammate, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and another staff member of the French team, resulting in purchases exceeding 2,000 euros. During her trial, Simon expressed confusion about the situation, stating, “I can’t explain it. I don’t remember doing it. I can’t make sense of it.”
As a result of her actions, Simon received a three-month suspended prison sentence and faced a six-month ban from the French ski federation, which included a five-month suspension. Her reinstatement for the 2026 Winter Games came only after a decision made in November 2025.
Despite her past difficulties, Simon’s resilience shone through in her recent performances. This gold medal is her second at the Milan Cortina Games, having earlier contributed to a victory in the mixed relay. In the women’s individual race, she showcased her skills, only missing one target and finishing the course in 41 minutes and 15 seconds.
In a press conference following her victory, Simon emphasized her commitment to her sport and the joy she finds in training and competition. She acknowledged the challenges she faced over the past months but took pride in her accomplishments, stating, “I have a lot of pleasure when I train, when I race, when I compete, so it’s the most important thing for me. I know I had a goal. I put all my energy in this goal, in myself. It was difficult months but I’m really proud of myself and today was a perfect race for me.”
Simon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of redemption and the ability to overcome personal challenges, highlighting the spirit of athletes who continue to strive for excellence despite adversity.