Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Julia Simon Gets Suspended Ban, Remains Eligible for 2026 Olympics

A largely suspended federation sanction after a theft conviction preserves her path to Milan-Cortina.

Winter Sports - Biathlon World Championships - Lenzerheide, Switzerland - February 18, 2025 Gold medallist France's Julia Simon celebrates on the podium after winning the Women's 15km Individual REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

Overview

  • The French Ski Federation’s independent disciplinary commission imposed a six-month sporting ban with five months suspended, effective November 7.
  • The sanction covers all FFS and International Biathlon Union events, sidelining her from the November 29 season opener in Östersund but making her eligible for the December 12 World Cup in Hochfilzen.
  • She was fined €30,000, with €15,000 suspended, payable within six months to the federation for youth biathlon training.
  • The decision follows an October court conviction for theft and credit-card fraud, which brought a three-month suspended prison sentence after she admitted using teammates’ cards for online purchases totaling more than €2,000.
  • Both Simon and the federation retain the right to appeal the disciplinary ruling within a short window reported as seven days.