Lenzerheide, Switzerland saw the French women’s biathlon team securing yet another gold medal at the World Championships on February 22, 2025. Comprising Lou Jeanmonnot, Océane Michelon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and Julia Simon, the team displayed dominance by finishing the relay with over a minute lead against strong competitors such as Norway and Sweden. This victory emphasized their prowess, marking the sixth gold medal for France at the championships and making it their 11th overall medal, closer to the record of 13 set the previous year.
From the beginning, the French team showcased their intent to maintain their title after their historic first gold at Nove Mesto the previous year. Jeanmonnot kicked off the race, showing impressive shooting skills by hitting all ten targets without any penalties, allowing her to build a significant lead right from the start. "I wanted to attack on the second lap, but I felt I wasn't under much pressure behind me," she said, illustrating her strategy of setting the pace early on.
Following her lead, Michelon, competing at her first World Championships relay, ensured the team retained its advantage. With solid skiing and just one penalty shot during her standing round, she handed off to Braisaz-Bouchet with over 46 seconds of advantage over the nearest rivals at the time. "I woke up with the little ball of nerves for my first relay at the World Championships, but I felt good," Michelon shared, relieved after her impressive performance.
Braisaz-Bouchet, who had just claimed the title for the sprint, faced some challenges with her shooting but was able to perform on the ski portion powerfully. Her swift transitions meant she could pass the baton to Simon with the team maintaining more than 1 minute and 19 seconds over the competition. Simon finished the final leg with grace, eventually celebrating her latest title with the crowd, showcasing her remarkable capability on both skis and at the shooting range.
"Nothing could stop the Blues today," remarked observers, highlighting how the French team not only excelled on the field but also possessed superior strategies across the relay. The combined results of 1 hour, 07 minutes, and 26 seconds for the French relay positioned them comfortably at the top, reflecting their hard work and preparation.
The team’s performance serves as a strong statement about the level of talent present within French biathlon, demonstrating both speed and precision under pressure. It now cements their reputation firmly on the global stage for this sport.
Victory at Lenzerheide not only reinforces France’s position as leading contenders but also inspires upcoming athletes within the biathlon community. Braisaz-Bouchet emphasized this sentiment when she reflected on their teamwork, saying simply, "I think this is the strongest French team I have ever met up to now." With this success, the French team underlines their dominance as they continue competing throughout the championships.
Looking forward, the relay men’s event on Saturday and subsequent mass starts promise more excitement as France seeks to expand their medal tally at these championships. This latest triumph is only the buildup to what may well be another historic year for French biathlon.