The 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping up to be a significant event for French athletes, particularly in ski mountaineering and figure skating. This Thursday marks the entry of ski mountaineering into the Olympic program, where Emily Harrop, a six-time world champion, and Thibault Anselmet, a three-time overall winner of the crystal globe, lead the charge with high expectations for medal performances in the sprints. These athletes represent France's ambitions to improve on their previous medal haul of 17. The day’s schedule is packed, starting with ski mountaineering competitions at 10:30 AM featuring Emily Harrop and other French contenders. Their performances are crucial as they not only aim for individual excellence but also contribute to the country's overall medal count at these prestigious games. As the competition intensifies, the pressure builds on these athletes to deliver exceptional results. In the realm of figure skating, Lorine Schild will compete in the free program later in the day, having qualified in the last position (24th) for this event. Despite her ranking, there is a glimmer of hope that Schild can climb up the standings and surprise audiences as she takes to the ice. This emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the Olympics, where underdogs often perform above expectations, adding to the excitement of the event.