Julia Simon: The French Biathlon Star Dominating the 2026 Winter Olympics
ANTERSELVA, Italy — 21 February 2026. Just days after securing her place in Olympic history, French biathlete Julia Simon continues to be the focal point of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Despite a career shadowed by off-track legal controversies, Simon has proven her mettle on the snow, leading the French women’s relay team to a definitive gold medal this week at the Südtirol Arena.
Olympic Glory in Anterselva
On 18 February 2026, Julia Simon anchored the French women’s 4x6km relay team to an emphatic victory. Entering the final leg with a sizeable lead established by her teammates, Simon delivered a masterclass in composure. She crossed the finish line with the French tricolour in hand, securing gold ahead of a chasing pack that saw defending champions Sweden fall behind.
This relay victory adds to an already glittering Olympic campaign for Simon, who also secured gold in the mixed relay on 8 February 2026 alongside Lou Jeanmonnot, Eric Perrot, and Quentin Fillon Maillet. Her performance in Italy cements her status as the “boss” of the circuit, a reputation she has built since her breakout 2022-2023 season.
Career Statistics and Profile
Born in Albertville, the heart of the French Alps, Simon transitioned to biathlon at the age of 16. Since then, she has evolved into one of the most successful athletes in the history of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julia Simon |
| Date of Birth | 9 October 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 62 kg (137 lb) |
| World Championship Gold Medals | 10 |
| Overall World Cup Titles | 1 (2022-2023) |
The Road to the Top
Simon’s ascent reached its first major peak in March 2023 at Oslo Holmenkollen, where she lifted the Big Crystal Globe as the overall World Cup winner. She followed this with a dominant display at the 2025 World Championships, where her ninth gold medal moved her level with German legend Petra Schaaf. By early 2026, she had surpassed that mark, amassing 10 World Championship golds.
Overcoming Controversy: The Fraud Case
Simon’s Olympic success in 2026 is particularly notable given the personal turmoil she faced over the last year. In late 2025, the French biathlon world was rocked by a legal scandal involving Simon and her teammate, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet. Simon was convicted of credit card fraud following allegations that she used a teammate’s card to make unauthorised purchases.
Despite the conviction and the subsequent “chaos” reported by international media, Simon has maintained a professional focus. Her ability to perform under the intense scrutiny of the 2026 Winter Olympics has been described by commentators as a testament to her mental resilience, even as the drama remains a talking point in the paddock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals has Julia Simon won at the 2026 Olympics?
As of 21 February 2026, Julia Simon has won two gold medals at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics: the Mixed Relay (8 February) and the Women’s 4x6km Relay (18 February).
What was the Julia Simon fraud scandal about?
The scandal involved allegations of credit card fraud. Simon was accused of using the credit cards of a teammate and a staff member to purchase high-end electronics. She was convicted of the charges roughly four months prior to the start of the 2026 Winter Games.
Is Julia Simon the most successful French biathlete?
With 10 World Championship gold medals and multiple Olympic titles, Simon is one of the most decorated French biathletes in history, frequently compared to legends of the sport due to her rapid shooting and aggressive skiing style.
Where are the 2026 biathlon events being held?
The biathlon events for the 2026 Winter Olympics are being held at the Südtirol Arena in Anterselva (Antholz), Italy, a traditional venue on the World Cup circuit known for its high altitude and challenging range conditions.