France triumphed in the women's 4 x 6 km biathlon relay at the Milano Cortina Olympics, marking their first gold in this event since the Albertville Games 34 years ago. The French team, composed of Camille Bened, Lou Jeanmonnot, Oceane Michelon, and Julia Simon, initially struggled, with Bened having to take a penalty lap and Jeanmonnot receiving the baton in 16th position. However, the team's performance improved progressively, echoing the success of the men's team the previous day, who also claimed gold.

The historical significance of this victory is enhanced for France, as it breaks a long drought in the women's relay discipline, where they last stood on top of the podium in 1988. At that time, the format consisted of three legs of 7.5 kilometers each, with different athletes participating, including notable names like Corinne Niogret and Veronique Claudel. This rejuvenation of the team’s spirit and level showcases the potential for future competitions, particularly as they aim to reclaim further glory in biathlon.

In contrast, the previous gold medalists from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Sweden, fell short this time, finishing in second place, while Norway captured the bronze. The competition dynamics revealed not only the strength of the French team but also the shifting landscape of international biathlon, where past champions must adapt to remain competitive in this evolving sport.