Julia Simon, the French biathlete and Olympic champion in mixed relay and individual events, has decided to withdraw from the pursuit (10 km) race at the 2026 Olympics in Milan Cortina. Over the weekend, Simon was reported to be feeling unwell and after experiencing difficulties during the sprint race, where she finished 34th due to two shooting errors, her coach Jean-Paul Giachino advised her to conserve her energy for upcoming events. Simon's performance in the sprint put her far behind the leaders, diminishing her chances of podium success in the pursuit race.

The decision to withdraw from the pursuit highlights Simon's focus on her overall performance and health, prioritizing the mixed relay and mass start events scheduled for later in the week. Despite feeling under the weather, Simon was still present for training, indicating her commitment to recovery and performance. The biathlon community and her fans will be watching her closely as she prepares for these significant upcoming challenges at the Olympics.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are a critical time for athletes like Simon, who aim to compete at the highest level. Her withdrawal from the pursuit is not only a reflection of her current health status but also serves as a reminder of the physical demands and unpredictability of competitive sports, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Olympics.