The CNOSF unveiled this Tuesday the first list of French athletes selected for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Julia Simon is now fixed. Expected to be one of the main providers of French medals during the 2026 Winter Olympics, the French biathlon team already knows a large part of its selection.
In view of the Milan-Cortina Olympics (February 6-22), the CNOSF unveiled this Tuesday a first list of 73 French athletes. In biathlon, nine of the twelve representatives have been announced. For women, world number one Lou Jeanmonnot will lead the group, accompanied by Océane Michelon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Camille Bened.
After a month of suspension following a conviction for theft and bank card fraud, Julia Simon is also one of those selected, preferred to Jeanne Richard. The biathlete from Les Saisies has regained sensations in recent weeks, notably with a solid 4th place in the pursuit at Le Grand-Bornand on Saturday.
No surprises for men
At the end of October, in court, she admitted to having used on several occasions, from 2021, the bank cards of Braisaz-Bouchet and the physiotherapist of the France team. His return, however, did not leave the collective unscathed. In December, Lou Jeanmonnot spoke of a heavy atmosphere within the French group. “It’s heavy, it’s not how I would have wanted to live my career in the France A team”had entrusted the French leader to Hochfilzen, while ensuring her support for Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.
For men, the selection reserves fewer surprises. Éric Perrot, Émilien Jacquelin, Quentin Fillon Maillet and Fabien Claude are logically part of this first Olympic list, expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
