Ten-time world champion Julia Simon returns to the World Cup after her six-month ban.
The French Ski Federation (FFS) announced on Monday that the 29-year-old was part of the French team in Hochfilzen.
Simon only missed the start of the World Cup in Östersund, Sweden and still has the chance to be involved in the fight for the overall World Cup victory.
Simon for Credit card fraud sentenced
Simon went on trial on October 24th for credit card fraud. She is accused of having repeatedly used the bank cards of her teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and a physiotherapist from the French team since 2021 for purchases totaling up to 2,400 euros and of stealing smaller amounts of money.
After a confession and a public apology, Simon was given a three-month suspended sentence and a fine of 15,000 euros.
The FFS Disciplinary Committee then issued a ban of six months, five of which were on probation, which came into force on November 7th. She was also sentenced to a fine of 30,000 euros.
Conviction weighs on Julia Simon
The Frenchwoman was preparing for her personal World Cup start in Hochfilzen away from the French team. However, she had difficulty “remaining concentrated during a shooting exercise,” said the French shooting coach Giachino. However, he “told her that this is normal given these events.”
At least publicly, Braisaz-Bouchet, who was cheated on by Simon, has smoothed things over somewhat. She “sincerely respects the athlete. The moment I’m also respected, at least in a sporting sense, and my sporting career isn’t hindered, there’s no problem,” emphasized the 29-year-old.
This should, at least from a sporting perspective, make it possible for the French team to perform well together in the World Cup.
Credit card fraud not the only unrest
However, the credit card fraud doesn’t seem to be enough of a worry for the French biathlon team. After Simon’s conviction, a new affair came to light. Rumors were circulating that Jeanne Richard had tampered with her teammate Óceane Michelon’s rifle in Pokljuka. This was allegedly observed by Braisaz-Bouchet.
The association was therefore forced to make a statement: “Contrary to certain rumors, no wrongdoing was found.” However, the FFS admitted that at the start of the season they had “dealt with a violation of team rules which, following an investigation, led to a penalty.” No details were given.
It remains exciting to see to what extent the internal difficulties will influence the French women’s sporting results. When she returns to the World Cup in Hochfilzen, Julia Simon can now show whether her individual preparation is bearing fruit.
Source: Karina Präg with information from SID