French star storms to Olympic gold months after criminal conviction

French biathlete Julia Simon has powered to Olympic gold at the Milano-Cortina Games, barely four months after being convicted of fraud against a national team-mate.

A controversial victory

The 29-year-old gestured for silence with a finger to her lips as she crossed the finish line in the women’s 15km individual race.

This victory marks her second gold medal of the Games, adding to her mixed relay triumph three days earlier.

In a stark contrast of fortunes, her victim and compatriot Justine Braisaz-Bouchet finished well off the pace in 80th position.

Legal troubles and suspended sentences

Simon’s participation in Italy had been in serious doubt following legal proceedings last October.

The multiple world champion was handed a three-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 (£13,000) for credit card fraud and theft.

She stood accused of using bank cards belonging to Braisaz-Bouchet and a team physiotherapist to make online purchases exceeding €2,000.

Admitting to “the entirety of the facts” before an Albertville criminal court, the biathlete apologised to those she had wronged.

“I can’t explain it. I don’t remember doing it. I can’t make sense of it,” she told local media during the hearing.

The French Ski Federation subsequently imposed a six-month ban, though five months were suspended, clearing her path to compete on the world stage.

‘Speak about sport, not gossip’

Emotions ran high on Wednesday as the gold medallist wept on the podium while the French national anthem played.

However, her celebration at the finish line hinted at underlying tensions.

Simon insisted the gesture was directed at a specific critic following negative press coverage rather than the general public.

“It was for one person, I think he knows it, he is here,” she explained.

The decorated athlete remained defiant regarding the focus on her private life.

“I’m here for sports. I’m doing my best sport. So now we have to speak about sport and not about gossip. If you want to speak about gossip, you go away.”

Speaking to Eurosport, the double Olympic champion issued a plea for the media to move on from the scandal.

“What I would like now, in all honesty, is for you to leave me in peace. The page has been turned within the team – we have spoken about it.”