Serious allegations: Biathlete accused of tampering with teammate’s rifle

A scandal has erupted within the French biathlon team. According to the outlet Dicodusport, Jeanne Richard is alleged to have tampered with her teammate Océane Michelon’s rifle immediately before a competition near the end of last season.

The report says the incident was discovered by teammate Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet, and that the matter was handled internally by the French team. Richard continues to deny the accusations.

Swedish Olympic biathlon champion Björn Ferry criticized the alleged act on SVT, calling it “one of the meanest things you can do,” likening it to smearing glue on a cross‑country skier’s skis or loosening their bindings.

This is the second controversy involving France’s biathlon squad in a matter of days. In late October, multiple world champion Julia Simon received a final suspended three‑month sentence and a €15,000 fine for theft and fraud related to misuse of payment cards belonging to Braisaz‑Bouchet and a team physiotherapist. Despite the conviction, the federation has confirmed Simon remains eligible to compete at the Olympics.

The French federation has not publicly detailed any disciplinary outcome related to the rifle‑tampering claim. The athletes named have not provided further public statements beyond Richard’s denial as reported.