French Biathlete Stole Teammate's Credit Card, Won Olympic Medals

Julia Simon faced charges but received a light punishment, sparking controversy.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Julia Simon, one of the top female biathletes in Europe, made headlines before the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics for stealing her teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet's credit card and making over $2,000 in unauthorized purchases. Simon was found guilty in court and received a suspended sentence, but was still able to compete in the Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver medal for the French team.

Why it matters

The light punishment Simon received for her actions has raised questions about whether star athletes are held to the same standards as other athletes, and whether the French ski federation prioritized medal success over accountability. The case also highlights the challenges of balancing competitive pressures and mental health issues among elite athletes.

The details

In 2022, while the French biathlon team was in Norway, Braisaz-Bouchet noticed unauthorized charges on her credit card and realized the purchases had been made by Simon, her teammate and longtime rival. Braisaz-Bouchet filed charges, and further investigation revealed Simon had also allegedly made unauthorized purchases with a team staffer's credit card. In October 2025, Simon was found guilty in a French court and given a three-month suspended sentence and a five-figure fine.

  • In 2022, the alleged credit card fraud occurred while the French biathlon team was in Norway.
  • In 2023, Braisaz-Bouchet filed charges against Simon.
  • In October 2025, Simon was found guilty in a French court.
  • In 2026, Simon competed in the Milan Cortina Olympics and won three gold medals and one silver medal.

The players

Julia Simon

One of the top female biathletes in Europe, who won three gold medals and one silver medal for France at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics despite being convicted of stealing her teammate's credit card.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet

A French biathlete who filed charges against her teammate Julia Simon after discovering unauthorized charges on her credit card.

French Ski Federation

The governing body that handed Simon a six-month ban, five months of which were suspended until after the Olympics, allowing her to compete.

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What they’re saying

“I can't explain it. I don't remember doing it. I can't make sense of it.”

— Julia Simon (Court statement)

“The page has been turned within the team—we have spoken about it.”

— Julia Simon (Eurosport)

What’s next

The French ski federation will likely face continued scrutiny over its handling of the Simon case, and there may be further legal proceedings or disciplinary actions taken against the athlete.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of holding elite athletes accountable for misconduct, as well as the potential tensions between competitive success and ethical behavior. It raises questions about whether star athletes are given preferential treatment, and whether more needs to be done to address mental health issues that may contribute to such incidents among high-pressure sports.