At the 2026 Olympics, French athlete Emily Harrop claimed the silver medal in the newly introduced ski mountaineering sprint event held in Bormio. As the world number one and a strong favorite to win, Harrop took an early lead in the race but encountered a critical mistake that cost her the gold medal. Swiss skier Marianne Fatton triumphed in this inaugural event, marking a historic moment as the first Olympic champion in ski mountaineering.

The silver medal adds to France's tally, bringing their count to 18 in these Olympics, although it carries a sense of bittersweet achievement for Harrop, who had high expectations for herself after a strong performance leading up to the race. The outcome marks a significant achievement in her career, yet it resonates with the disappointment of not securing gold, an outcome she was aiming for.

Additionally, Spanish competitor Ana Alonso Rodriguez completed the podium by winning bronze while fellow French skier Margot Ravinel secured a sixth-place finish after a promising start where she held third position for part of the race. This event not only showcases the rising competitiveness of ski mountaineering but also highlights the challenges athletes face on the Olympic stage, where every mistake can have a profound impact on the final standings.