Julia Simon claims Winter Olympics biathlon gold months after theft case, speaks out after beating Lou Jeanmonnot

The biggest story at the Winter Olympics this week was not just about a medal. It was about redemption, pressure, and a strong response on the snow. Julia Simon won gold in the women’s 15km individual biathlon at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

With that victory, she became the first Frenchwoman to win Olympic gold in this event. She finished ahead of her teammate Lou Jeanmonnot, who took silver.But this win came only months after Simon stood in court in Albertville. In October, she admitted to using teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet’s bank card without permission and making more than €2,000 in online purchases. The case led to a suspended prison sentence, a €15,000 fine, and a six-month ban from competition, five months of which were suspended.

Julia Simon responds after beating Lou Jeanmonnot to Olympic gold following court case involving Justine Braisaz-Bouchet

On the course in Italy, Julia Simon looked calm and focused. The 29-year-old, who is also a 10-time world champion, delivered one of the best races of her career in the 15km individual event. She had already won gold earlier in the mixed relay, but this individual title carried more weight because of everything that happened before the Games.After the race, speaking to Eurosport, Simon made it clear she wants to move forward.

She said, “Now, I’d like to be left alone, honestly, because I read some things last night that weren’t pleasant.”

She added, “I proved I belong here today, and I had even proven myself before. I don’t have anything left to prove to anyone, and now I’d like to be left alone to do my biathlon. The past is behind us within the team. We’ve talked things through. Now, we’re here to win medals, to do biathlon. Today, we showed that again.”During her court hearing in October, Simon had said, “I can’t explain it. I don’t remember doing it. I can’t make sense of it.”Despite the criticism that followed her case, she thanked those who stood by her. “There are so many emotions. I thank my family, my friends, everyone who supported me. Today, it’s come full circle. This is one of the best sporting days of my life,” she said.Her gold medal may not erase the past, but it has changed the conversation at these Winter Olympics.