Julia Simon Claims Second Olympic Gold with Dominant Biathlon 15km Individual Victory

France's Julia Simon delivered a masterclass in biathlon precision on Wednesday, claiming gold in the women's 15km individual event at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena with a commanding performance that showcased why she remains one of the sport's most dominant athletes. The 30-year-old completed the course in 41:15.6, missing just one shot across four shooting stages to secure her second gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Simon's victory led a remarkable French sweep of the podium's top two positions, with compatriot Lou Jeanmonnot claiming silver in what proved to be a triumphant day for the French biathlon program. Bulgaria's Lora Hristova took bronze, earning her nation's first biathlon medal since 2002 and adding a historic dimension to the day's competition. The individual 15km format, which awards time penalties for missed shots rather than penalty loops, proved ideal for Simon's consistent shooting ability.

The race unfolded in challenging conditions at the high-altitude venue, with athletes facing variable winds that made the shooting stages particularly demanding. Simon's ability to maintain composure at the range, combined with her powerful skiing, allowed her to build an insurmountable lead over the field. Her single miss came at the third shooting stage, a minor blemish on an otherwise flawless performance that demonstrated the technical excellence that has defined her career.

This gold medal adds to Simon's growing Olympic legacy and confirms her status as one of the Games' standout performers. Her ability to deliver under pressure in the individual format, widely considered one of biathlon's most mentally demanding events, speaks to her exceptional mental fortitude. The French team's dominance extends beyond just Simon, with their 1-2 finish highlighting the strength and depth of their biathlon program heading into the remaining Olympic events.

For Hristova, the bronze medal represents a watershed moment for Bulgarian biathlon, breaking a two-decade Olympic medal drought and inspiring hope for a new generation of athletes from the Eastern European nation. Her performance on the biggest stage demonstrates the global competitiveness of women's biathlon and the emergence of new medal contenders beyond the traditional powerhouse nations.

As the biathlon competition continues at Milano Cortina 2026, Simon's double gold campaign establishes her as one of the faces of these Winter Games. With additional events still to come, including relay and mass start competitions, the French star has the opportunity to further cement her legendary status and potentially leave Italy with an unprecedented medal haul that would rank among the greatest individual performances in Olympic biathlon history.