Biathlon: After theft case — Julia Simon could face longer suspension

Julia Simon could receive a longer suspension following the high‑profile fraud/theft case involving her national teammate Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet.

The International Biathlon Union’s disciplinary arm, the Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU), is examining the case and awaiting an official copy of the French Ski Federation’s decision. On Friday, the French federation announced Simon is suspended for one month — on top of five months already served — which rules her out of the World Cup opener in Östersund from 29 November to 7 December. Simon will not appeal the French decision.

According to BIU chief Greg McKenna, the unit will process the matter independently once the documents arrive, a procedure that “can take several weeks.” The central issue for BIU is whether Simon breached the integrity code, and crucially whether she should be allowed to compete at the Milano/Cortina Olympics in February.

Simon is a 10‑time world champion and claimed four gold medals at last winter’s biathlon World Championships in Switzerland, making her one of the leading Olympic favorites.