French biathlon star Julia Simon has received a six-month competition ban from the French Ski Federation (FFS), though she remains eligible to participate in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
The 29-year-old, who won the overall World Cup title in 2023 and boasts 10 world championship gold medals, was fined €30,000 ($34,986) by the FFS National Disciplinary Committee following her recent conviction for credit card fraud and theft. Simon was also given a three-month suspended prison sentence and a €15,000 ($17,493) fine.
Under the ban, Simon is barred from competing in or attending events organised or authorised by the FFS or the International Biathlon Union (IBU). The FFS has the option to appeal the ruling within seven days, a right available to both Simon and the federation.
Despite this setback, Simon’s Olympic dreams remain intact, keeping fans hopeful for her return to the international stage.
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