At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Mathis Desloges, participating in his first Games, secured a silver medal in the skiathlon event held in Milan-Cortina, marking a significant achievement for France. At just 23 years old, Desloges not only brought home the first Olympic medal for France in these Games but also became the first Frenchman to win an individual Olympic medal in cross-country skiing since 2006. His performance was closely followed, especially as he competed against Norway's Johannes Klaebo, the heavy favorite.

However, Desloges's journey to the podium was nearly derailed due to a critical mistake just seven kilometers from the finish line. In a moment of inexperience, he took a wrong turn, veering to the right too early on the course. The error could have cost him a place on the podium, but the athlete quickly realized his mistake and managed to correct his course, ultimately maintaining his position and completing the race successfully.

This incident has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by athletes, particularly those who are competing at such high-stakes events for the first time. As Desloges celebrates his hard-earned silver medal, his near-miss serves as a reminder of the pressures and intricacies involved in Olympic competition, particularly in a sport that demands both physical endurance and sharp strategic awareness.