French athlete Mathys Desloges achieved a significant milestone by securing France's first medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. He won a silver medal in the skiathlon event, finishing just behind the favored Norwegian athlete, Johannes Klaebo, who took gold. This achievement marks a hopeful start for the French team in the ongoing Games.

Desloges expressed his overwhelming emotions following the race, noting that the weeks leading up to the event had been filled with intense preparation and some doubts, partly due to a recent illness. He credited the success to his excellent training, the quality of his equipment, and the support he received from his team and family. This victory not only raises expectations for future events for France but also showcases the rising talent within French skiing.

As the first race of men's cross-country skiing in these Olympics, Desloges's silver medal is a pivotal moment not only for him personally but also for the French skiing community. His performance is likely to inspire other athletes and may draw more attention to future competitions involving French teams, potentially enhancing their overall performance across various winter sports.