Biathlon: Julia Simon suspended for one month after theft case – still eligible for the Olympics

The French Ski Federation has announced a one‑month suspension for biathlon star Julia Simon, following her October conviction for theft and fraud against national teammate Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet.

The decision means Simon will miss the World Cup season opener in Östersund at the end of November (29 November–7 December). If the timetable holds, her first World Cup start could come in Hochfilzen from 12–14 December. According to the federation, five of the six months of the total disciplinary ban have already been served, leaving one month to complete.

Despite the suspension, the 29‑year‑old remains eligible to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. In addition to the ban, Simon has been ordered to pay SEK 330,000 to the French Ski Federation to support youth biathlon development; half of the amount (SEK 165,000) is suspended.

The legal ruling, delivered by a court in Albertville, imposed a three‑month suspended prison sentence and a fine of SEK 165,000. The verdict came shortly after Simon admitted the facts of the indictment in court, later describing that she felt she was in “a black hole.”

Simon is a ten‑time world champion and won four gold medals at the Biathlon World Championships in Switzerland last spring. She remains one of the leading contenders for Olympic gold.