Émilien Jacquelin: The French Biathlon Star at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games
MILAN, 15 February 2026 — As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reach their peak, all eyes are on the French biathlon squad. Among the most scrutinised athletes is Émilien Jacquelin, the 30-year-old Grenoble native known for his lightning-fast shooting and aggressive skiing style. While the French team has enjoyed a historic run this week, Jacquelin’s journey through these Games has been a rollercoaster of high-stakes drama and intense competition.
Olympic Performance and Current Form
The current Olympic cycle has been a mix of triumph and frustration for Jacquelin. Just five days ago, during the Men’s Individual event, Jacquelin’s hopes for a podium finish were dashed early. Two critical misses during the first prone shooting stage forced the Frenchman to play catch-up, ultimately finishing outside the medal positions while his compatriot, Eric Perrot, secured the silver medal.
However, the French biathlon team remains “on fire,” having already equalled previous medal records. Today, Sunday 15 February, Jacquelin returns to the snow for the Men’s Pursuit. Starting behind leaders like Quentin Fillon Maillet—who claimed sprint gold just yesterday—Jacquelin faces a steep climb to add to his career Olympic tally.
Career Profile: The “Sheriff” of the Range
Émilien Jacquelin has long been established as one of the most talented biathletes of his generation. Standing at 1.86m and weighing approximately 79kg, he represents the SC Villard de Lans club. His career is defined by his “instinctive” shooting, a high-risk, high-reward strategy that has earned him five World Championship titles and a Pursuit Crystal Globe.
Key Athlete Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 11 July 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Grenoble, France |
| Height | 1.86 m (6′ 1″) |
| World Cup Debut | 2017 |
| Individual Victories | 5 |
| Olympic Medals | 2 Silver (Beijing 2022) |
Recent Achievements (2024–2025)
Leading up to the 2026 Olympics, Jacquelin showed flashes of the brilliance that made him a double world champion in the pursuit. In 2025, he secured a silver medal in the Men’s Relay at Oberhof and a notable silver in the Pursuit at Le Grand-Bornand. These results solidified his position as a core pillar of the French “Bleus” alongside veterans like Fillon Maillet and rising stars like Eric Perrot.
Sponsorships and Influence
Off the track, Jacquelin is a prominent figure in French winter sports. He is supported by major sponsors including Seiko and 4Endurance France. His role as an ambassador for the sport was highlighted just four days ago when he appeared on the “Le Grand JT de l’Éducation” on SQOOL TV to discuss his career and the importance of athletic discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic medals does Émilien Jacquelin have?
Prior to the 2026 Games, Émilien Jacquelin had won two silver medals, both achieved at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
What is Émilien Jacquelin’s specialty?
Jacquelin is widely considered a specialist in the Pursuit event. His ability to shoot rapidly under pressure has allowed him to win back-to-back World Championship titles in this discipline (2020 and 2021).
Who are Jacquelin’s main rivals in 2026?
Within his own team, Quentin Fillon Maillet and Eric Perrot are in peak form. Internationally, he continues to battle the dominant Norwegian contingent, including the Bø brothers and Maren Kirkeeide’s male counterparts.
Where does Émilien Jacquelin train?
He is a member of the SC Villard de Lans and often trains in the Vercors massif in the French Alps.