The 2025 Biathlon World Championships held at Lenzerheide, Switzerland, has showcased the extraordinary achievements of the French national team, reaffirming their dominance in the sport, and marking the significant return of Great Britain on the international biathlon stage after years of absence.
With stunning performances throughout the competition, France's team has already hoisted numerous medals, including notable victories by two of its star athletes, Julia Simon and Quentin Fillon Maillet. These triumphs continue to fortify their reputation as formidable competitors. "They are going to end up hATING us," humorously remarked Jean-Paul Giachino, the women's shooting coach, highlighting the competitive tension between France and traditional powerhouses like Norway and Germany.
On February 20, 2025, the French squads excelled, preserving their title by dominating the mixed relay, asserting their place at the top of the podium against tough competition. Their success has been imbued with team spirit and determination, reflecting years of hard work and perseverance. Émilien Jacquelin, one of the leading figures of the French contingent, shared insight about their mindset: "We know we can win only if everyone gives their all." This philosophy has propelled the squad through this demanding championship.
Conversely, Great Britain has made headlines with the participation of Chloé Dupont, who, at just 21, has chosen to represent her mother's native land rather than France where she was born. Dupont’s ambition shines against the backdrop of the little snow her country receives, which presents significant challenges for training. Nevertheless, she exudes joy as she makes her mark on this international stage, declaring, "I participate to make history for Great Britain. It's no small feat!"
Despite the jubilation surrounding French victories, there are stirring concerns over the season's ending performance and the fight for the elusive crystal globe. Notably, results from these championships do not contribute to this race, and as L'Équipe reporter Anne-Sophie Bernadi points out, "Today, it's still a German who is leading the overall standings, so maybe at the end of the season, the crystal globe will be in the hands of a German."
The unpredictable nature of the championship appears to present challenges for both the French and British competitors; for France, the fear of losing momentum and not securing the crystal globe is palpable, especially with the swift ascension of German competition. Faced with the growing contributions from rivals like the Italians and Germans, the French team strives to maintain their performances to secure historical accolades.
Reflecting on their unyielding perseverance, Jacquelin also highlighted the significance of humility: "We are ready to start every race with the mindset of starting over again. It’s what keeps us grounded and focused on the end goal." This mindset has solidified their performance, turning challenges from past defeats and times when victories eluded them, even fostering stronger bonds among teammates.
The 2025 World Championships are not only about the medals but embody the collective resilience and energy stemming from the unity of purpose within the French team. While the French male relay team has marked four consecutive wins this season, this level of coordination and motivation translates seamlessly to team dynamics and builds confidence heading toward the championship.
Every athlete contributes significantly to the experience, ensuring their focus remains on collective success rather than individual accolades. This camaraderie, rooted deeply within the squad, shines through even on less successful competition days. Fabien Claude, commenting on this remarkable atmosphere, stated, "When we win, we realize it's no just for ourselves, but the joy is even greater when we share it together with our teammates!"
Looking forward to potential victories at the world level, the foundation of hard work and kinship remains central to their ascent. The vibrant spirit exhibited during these championships reflects their readiness and ambition—allowing French and British athletes alike greater opportunities for success on the global stage.
The stakes are high, with additional competitions lined up, yet the resilience displayed suggests both nations will continue to shine brightly as they pursue accolades at the pinnacle of biathlon competition.