France Continues Olympic Surge with Ski Alpinism Gold and Biathlon Brilliance at Milan Cortina 2026
Milan, Italy – February 21, 2026 – The French delegation is enjoying a remarkable run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, adding to their medal haul with a stunning victory in the ski alpinism mixed relay and a dominant performance in biathlon. Saturday’s events saw Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet claim gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed relay event, while Océane Michelon secured victory in the women’s mass start biathlon, further cementing France’s position as a force to be reckoned with at these Games.
Harrop and Anselmet Conquer Ski Alpinism Mixed Relay
Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet delivered a gold medal performance in the ski alpinism mixed relay at Bormio on Saturday, February 21st. Building on their individual success earlier in the week – Harrop securing silver and Anselmet bronze in their respective events – the duo led from start to finish, finishing ahead of Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton and Jon Kistler, and Spain’s Oriol Cardona and Ana Alonso Rodriguez. This victory marks a historic moment for ski alpinism, making its debut as an Olympic sport at the Milan Cortina Games.
French Biathletes Achieve Historic Doublé in Mass Start
The French biathlon team continued its exceptional form with a one-two finish in the women’s 12.5km mass start. Océane Michelon, 23, claimed the gold medal, adding another chapter to France’s impressive Olympic story. Julia Simon, already a double medalist in the biathlon relays and individual event, secured the silver, showcasing the depth and strength of the French team.
The French biathletes concluded their Olympic campaign with a record-breaking 13 medals: six gold, four silver, and three bronze. This unprecedented success underscores the program’s consistent development and the athletes’ dedication.
Klaebo Makes History with Sixth Gold in Skiing
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo etched his name into Olympic history on Saturday, winning the gold medal in the 50km classic race. This victory completed a remarkable sweep of all six cross-country skiing events at the Milan Cortina Games, making him the first athlete to achieve such a feat at a Winter Olympics. Klaebo now boasts 11 Olympic gold medals across three Games (2018, 2022, and 2026), mirroring his success at the 2023 World Championships in Trondheim where he also won six gold medals.
Bobsleigh Accidents Mar Competition
The four-man bobsleigh competition was marred by a series of crashes on Saturday. Three bobsleighs, including the French team, overturned during the second of four heats. An Austrian team was the first to experience trouble, sliding on its side for approximately 30 seconds before coming to a stop. Shortly after, the French bobsleigh also lost control and flipped, sliding for a similar duration. Fortunately, initial reports indicate no serious injuries.
Disappointment for French Skicross Team
The French skicross team faced disappointment at Livigno, failing to secure a medal despite high expectations. Terence Tchiknavorian delivered the best result for the team, finishing fifth in the tiny final. The Italian duo of Simone Deromedis and Omar Visintin claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively. Marielle Berger Sabbatel also fell short of the podium, finishing fourth in the women’s final in what was her final professional season.
Romain Heinrich: A Future Hope for French Bobsleigh
Romain Heinrich, a veteran of four Winter Olympics at age 36, continues to be a key figure in the French bobsleigh program. The former shot putter is expected to compete at the 2030 Winter Games in the Alps. The French Federation of Ice Sports (FFSG) is hoping Heinrich can help secure France’s first-ever bobsleigh medal at the 2030 Games, with a top-10 finish in the four-man event at these Games seen as a positive sign.
Medal Table Update
Looking Ahead: Sunday’s Schedule
The action continues on Sunday, February 22nd, with a full schedule of events. Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates and comprehensive coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
What do you think of France’s performance so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
