Lou Jeanmonnot's recent fall during the mass start in Oslo on March 23, 2025, has left fans and competitors in shock as it dramatically ended her hopes of winning the coveted big crystal globe in biathlon. The race, which built excitement and tension as Jeanmonnot and her German rival, Franziska Preuss, battled for victory, took a disappointing turn just 500 meters from the finish line.
Leading up to this final race, both biathletes were in prime form. The competition was fierce, with Jeanmonnot leading by just five points over Preuss before the race. As they raced neck-and-neck, the atmosphere was electric, building towards what many had expected to be a spectacular conclusion to the season.
"I thought I had a meter's lead which would have allowed me to take the turn at the inside, but I wasn't strong enough on my legs to maintain it," Jeanmonnot recounted. In the final stretch, as she fought for position, she found herself crushing her pole against her ski, leading to a cascade of misfortune with her ultimately losing balance and crashing.
Despite the heartbreaking fall, Jeanmonnot maintained a sense of sportsmanship. After the race, she expressed her pride in her performance throughout the season, stating, "I am proud to have fought fiercely until the very end. I was able to wear the yellow jersey confidently and attack, not out of fear, but with determination." Moreover, she had commendations for Preuss, highlighting, "I'm genuinely happy for Franziska; she is a terrific athlete and truly deserves this victory."
The drama of the finish did not go unnoticed by the French team, which initially considered filing a complaint about the incident. The team—led by coach Stéphane Bouthiaux—requested a review of the footage to ensure that there was no foul play involved, believing that Preuss might have caused a collision. However, after carefully reviewing the evidence, the decision was made to withdraw the complaint. Bouthiaux confirmed this by saying, “We asked to see the images to ensure there was no obstruction. There wasn’t. Lou fell on her own and the classification remains as it is.”
Commentators and experts echoed similar sentiments in the aftermath of the race. Former champion Martin Fourcade mentioned, "I saw the action; it was an unfortunate crash but there was no unsportsmanlike behavior. It’s disappointing for Lou, who shaped an extraordinary season."
Despite the emotional turmoil after the race, Jeanmonnot's achievement this season was commendable. Stoic through the turbulence, she placed third in the final race, convincing her compatriots of her ability to rise again. As spectators witnessed, Jeanmonnot’s fall left her moments away from what could have been her historic ascent in the sport, but her grit and passion for biathlon is likely to forge a strong resolve for next season.
While Jeanmonnot took a bow on the podium, having the chance to meet fellow competitors Elvira Oeberg and Preuss, she reflected positively on her experience this season. "I've learned some beautiful lessons through this fight, and I'm excited to come back stronger next year," she promised.
Nevertheless, as the cheers for Preuss filled the arena, Jeanmonnot couldn't help but also express a sense of injustice regarding how the race concluded. “It's disappointing that the culmination of a beautiful race was marred just before the finish line, like we planned it perfectly all season,” noting the race's artistry undermined so abruptly.
As the season's end marked not just a closing chapter but the dawn of preparation for the next, many observers are keenly awaiting Jeanmonnot's return. Her fighting spirit and determination demonstrate she will not easily fade from the memories of biathlon enthusiasts.
While Preuss claimed her place as champion of the mass start and secured the big globe, Jeanmonnot’s journey is far from over. The ending may have stung, but her resolve and respect for the sport radiated throughout the competition. As fans continue to champion her, it is these qualities that will undoubtedly pave the way to more achievements in the future.
