After a controlled race from start to finish, the French biathlon team won the gold medal in the 4 × 6 km mixed relay at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena in Italy on Sunday afternoon. The quartet of Éric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Lou Jeanmonnot, and Julia Simon triumphed in 1 hour, 04 minutes, and 15 seconds, confirming French dominance in one of the first major events of these Games.
The French finished ahead of Italy, who took the silver medal, led by Lisa Vittozzi in last place, and Germany, who completed the podium with the bronze. Julia Simon, who ran the final stage, delivered a flawless performance in shooting, hitting all 10 targets, to seal the French victory against fierce competition in the final kilometers of the race.
One of France's best chances for a medal
The mixed relay was considered one of the best medal chances for the French delegation from the very start of the Olympic biathlon. The relay team's lineup, announced a few days earlier, immediately placed the French among the favorites, with the following order: Éric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Lou Jeanmonnot, and Julia Simon.
This victory confirms France's strong performances during the 2025-2026 season, in which they frequently shone in the World Cup before the Games. The team notably achieved podium finishes in the mixed relays throughout the season and regularly topped the rankings in that discipline.
The reigning world champions in the mixed relay had already shown their ability to dominate this format at the 2025 Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide, where France retained its world title ahead of the Czech Republic and Germany.
