Julia Simon Secures Historic Third Gold at Milano Cortina 2026
London, 21 February 2026 – French biathlete Julia Simon has cemented her legacy as one of the most dominant figures of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Following her victory in the women’s 4x6km relay this week, Simon has now amassed three gold medals at these Games, including a historic win in the 15km individual event. Her performances have been described as a “redemption arc” by international media, following a highly publicised legal conviction involving a teammate just months prior to the competition.
Olympic Dominance and Relay Success
On 18 February 2026, Simon delivered a flawless anchor leg in the women’s 4x6km biathlon relay, securing France’s first gold in the event for 34 years. Entering the final shooting range under immense pressure, Simon cleared all five targets with trademark speed before crossing the finish line with a combined team time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 22 seconds. This victory allowed France to achieve a historic sweep of all three biathlon relays—men’s, women’s, and mixed—at a single Olympic Games.
Earlier in the Games, on 11 February 2026, Simon made history by becoming the first Frenchwoman to win the Olympic gold medal in the 15km individual biathlon. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding her personal life, her technical precision on the skis and at the shooting range has remained unparalleled throughout the fortnight in Anterselva.
Key Facts: Julia Simon
The following table outlines the career milestones and profile of the French biathlete as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julia Simon |
| Date of Birth | 9 October 1996 |
| Nationality | French |
| 2026 Olympic Golds | 15km Individual, Women’s Relay, Mixed Relay |
| Major Career Titles | Overall IBU World Cup Winner (2022-2023) |
| Other Qualifications | Qualified Carpenter |
Controversy and Redemption
Simon’s Olympic success comes in the wake of significant personal turmoil. In October 2025, she was convicted of credit card fraud and theft involving a teammate and a member of the French staff. She was ordered to pay a fine of £13,100 (€15,000) and received a suspended prison sentence. Despite the “chaos” reported within the French camp leading up to the Games, Simon has maintained a professional defence of her titles, with her teammates, including silver-medalist Lou Jeanmonnot, appearing to maintain a functional competitive relationship on the snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals did Julia Simon win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Julia Simon won three gold medals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games: the 15km individual event, the women’s 4x6km relay, and the mixed relay.
What was the significance of the French women’s relay win?
The victory marked the first time in 34 years that the French women’s team had won the Olympic relay gold. It also completed a historic “triple sweep” of all relay categories for France at the 2026 Games.
What is Julia Simon’s profession outside of biathlon?
In addition to her career as a world-class athlete, Julia Simon is a qualified carpenter, a trade she has frequently cited as a personal passion.