On March 13, 2025, Julia Simon made headlines by clinching victory at the individual race held at Pokljuka, Slovenia, showcasing exceptional skill and tenacity. With her impeccable shooting record of 20 out of 20, Simon not only earned her place on the podium but also reaffirmed her position among the elite biathletes of the world. She crossed the finish line with a time of 38:08.2, easily surpassing her competitors, including Hannah Oeberg from Sweden, who finished second with a time difference of +39.1 seconds, and Franziska Preuss from Germany, who took third place, lagging +46.2 seconds behind.
Despite facing challenging weather conditions characterized by strong winds on the shooting range and difficult tracks, Simon demonstrated remarkable composure. "It was a tough race today. I think I was lucky to start at the front of the race because when I watched the shooting range 10 minutes ago, the wind was stronger than during my race. On the shooting range, it was quite okay during the race, but the tracks were very difficult. I feel really happy and lucky to win this race today," explained Simon after her victory.
The race unfolded dramatically, with Simon being the last of the French competitors to start, especially following the withdrawal of her teammate Sophie Chauveau due to illness. Her clean shooting not only marked her performance but also ensured all French participants finished within the top 10, armed with at least one outstanding score. Oceane Michelon finished 5th and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet came 6th, both demonstrating strong performances and securing the best times on the snowy track.
For Simon, this victory was significant as it complemented her recent triumph at the pursuit race held earlier. "I am really very happy with my race today, it’s a difficult race, we are all really worn out, it’s very hard to ski today[...] I had some congestion and my legs weren't responding well, so I managed quite well," Simon remarked, reflecting on the strenuous nature of the competition and her personal feelings about the event.
Lou Jeanmonnot, who finished 7th on the day, managed to secure the small globe of crystal for the individual discipline, solidifying her reputation as one of the consistent performers this season. With 60 points behind the overall leader, Franziska Preuss, Jeanmonnot holds her head high, knowing she has achieved notable milestones this season, including winning the individual racing category.
The competition saw other rising talents as well, with teammate Jeanne Richard securing the 10th position, rounding out the impressive French team performance. The acclaimed platform not only showcased the intense competition between seasoned athletes but also highlighted the collective strength of the French biathlon team, walking away from Pokljuka with significant accolades.
French athletes stood out in this race, demonstrating their skill and coordination, as they have consistently succeeded throughout the individual events this season. "The conditions for shooting were very good, but I had difficulty, my legs were not responding very well," noted Simon, appreciative of her strong shooting performance amid the challenging skiing conditions.
Looking ahead, the French team seems poised for continued success as they head toward the next competitions, with Simon at the helm, aiming for more podium finishes and individual titles this season. This race not only adds another win to Simon's collection but also symbolizes the resilience and determination of the athletes competing on the world stage.
The Pokljuka individual race has become yet another chapter illustrating the thrilling narratives of competitive biathlon, with Simon and her compatriots making their mark not just for their places on the podium but for the character and passion they display through every challenge faced on and off the course.
Julia Simon’s latest victory is undoubtedly significant, and it serves as motivation as her competitors gear up to challenge her prowess, proving not only the thrilling spirit of the sport but also its ability to inspire and unite teams against all odds.