At the 2025 Biathlon World Championships held in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, the French women's relay team showcased their supremacy by clinching the gold medal with a remarkable performance. The team, consisting of Lou Jeanmonnot, Océane Michelon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and Julia Simon, finished the race with significant lead, demonstrating their prowess and teamwork on the world stage.
The relay, which unfolded on February 22, saw the French team impose their rhythm from the get-go. Jeanmonnot, the first runner, set the tone early with flawless shooting, achieving a perfect 10/10. She passed the baton to Michelon, who was participating in her first World Championships, and extended the lead with impressive skiing and shooting performances. Michelon made only one shooting error but effectively widened the gap between France and its competitors.
Braisaz-Bouchet continued the momentum, her strong performance resulting in the French team holding nearly a one-minute lead over their closest rivals, the Norwegians, by the time she passed the baton to Simon. Julia Simon, already decorated with multiple gold medals from previous events, sealed the victory for the team, crossing the finish line with over one minute of advantage.
This victory marked the sixth gold medal for the French team during these championships, contributing to their total of 11 medals, which equaled their record for the most medals won at any single Biathlon World Championships. The team's outstanding performance affirmed their status as the defending champions, having previously won this event the year before at Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.
“We are really happy; we didn’t take this for granted,” said Braisaz-Bouchet, reflecting on the collective effort of her team. “I was very stressed before the race…. You can just look at the number of penalties today, and it worked out for us.”
The performance of Jeanmonnot, Michelon, Braisaz-Bouchet, and Simon is emblematic of the current strength of French biathlon, particularly as they competed against formidable teams such as Norway and Sweden, who finished second and third, respectively. The French women’s team managed to maintain their lead throughout the race, not allowing any suspense as they executed their strategy with precision.
Each member of the team contributed significantly to their success. Jeanmonnot, early on, cemented her role with rapid and accurate shooting, allowing her teammates to start their segments under less pressure. Michelon, carrying the baton forward, capitalized on the lead provided by Jeanmonnot, quickly adjusting and showing skill beyond her experience level. One small error did not deter her from efficiently handling her part of the relay.
The performance of Braisaz-Bouchet stood out as she confidently maintained the advancing lead before handing over to Simon. Her focus on the track and adept navigation through both shooting segments contributed to pushing their margin even wider.
When it came to the final leg, Simon executed her tasks with grace, shooting perfectly and even taking the time to engage with the crowd cheering along the course, raising the atmosphere of the event. With her victory, Simon not only ensured the gold for France but also marked her 10th World Championship title, making her the third-most decorated biathlete at the championships alongside historical giants from the sport.
These championships have been historic for French women's biathlon, shedding light on their growth and dominance within the sport, as well as inspiring future generations. This team has demonstrated resilience, unity, and exemplary sportsmanship—hallmarks of champions.
Heading back to the venue, the attention shifts to the men's relay, scheduled after the women's event, as the French team will look to continue the momentum and possibly add another title to France’s tally of success at the championships.