Home / Sports / Biathlete Simon Wins Gold Amidst Theft Conviction Controversy
Biathlete Simon Wins Gold Amidst Theft Conviction Controversy
11 Feb
Summary
- Julia Simon secured Olympic biathlon gold despite a recent theft conviction.
- She received a suspended prison sentence and a substantial fine for her offenses.
- A victim, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, competed but finished far behind Simon.
Julia Simon has captured Olympic 15km biathlon gold, a remarkable achievement less than four months after a conviction for theft against a teammate. The French athlete was permitted to compete in the Games because her three-month prison sentence was suspended.
Simon, a 10-time world champion, admitted to credit card fraud and theft totaling over €2,000 in online purchases from a teammate and staff member. She received a suspended prison sentence and a €15,000 fine, but was allowed back into competition earlier than expected.
Her victory came in an event where one of her victims, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, also competed, finishing in 80th place, over eight minutes behind Simon's winning time of 41:15.
Speaking after her win, Simon expressed a desire to be left alone to focus on her sport, stating that the past is behind the team and they are now focused on winning medals.
