During the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, France has made significant progress in the medal standings, moving from 8th to 4th place thanks to the remarkable performance of its women's biathlon relay team. The team, comprising Camille Bened, Lou Jeanmonnot, Océane Michelon, and Julia Simon, secured a gold medal on Wednesday afternoon, contributing to France's exceptional run in the Games, which has now yielded six gold medals and a record total of 17 podium finishes overall.

This Olympic success is noteworthy as it marks France's best performance in Winter Games history, displaying a growing strength in winter sports. The biathletes' victory not only boosts national pride but also enhances France's position in the overall medal count, placing it right behind the United States, while outpacing Sweden and the Netherlands, who also have six medals but fewer gold and silver. The attention now shifts to achieving a top-five finish, a goal set by French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera prior to the competition.

With ongoing events and competitions still left in the Winter Olympics, there’s a palpable excitement in France as athletes continue to overachieve. The momentum gained from such victories might also inspire further investments in winter sports development and training programs, potentially improving France's international standing in future competitions. As the Games progress, the aspirations for even more medals remain high, showcasing the spirit and competitiveness of the French Olympic team.