France enjoyed a memorable Sunday at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, securing a gold medal in the mixed biathlon relay and a silver in the skiathlon. These triumphs contrast with the severe fall of American legend Lindsey Vonn in the women's downhill. The French team ranks 7th in the medal table.
The mixed biathlon relay delivered France's first gold medal at these Winter Olympics. Comprising Éric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Lou Jeanmonnot, and Julia Simon, the team dominated the race at Anterselva despite some misses. Perrot started perfectly, Fillon Maillet held on despite three misses at prone shooting, Jeanmonnot accelerated on skis, and Simon sealed the win with a perfect shooting (10/10). «It's years and years of work», said Simon. Italy took silver, Germany bronze.
In cross-country skiing, 23-year-old Mathis Desloges surprised by winning silver in the 20 km skiathlon at Tesero, behind Norwegian Johannes Klaebo, a six-time Olympic champion. «A crazy day», reacted Desloges after a Norwegian protest was dismissed. Hugo Lapalus finished 5th.
The day was overshadowed by Lindsey Vonn's horrific fall, aged 41, just 13 seconds into the downhill at Cortina d'Ampezzo. Evacuated by helicopter, she underwent surgery for a left leg fracture and was placed in intensive care. Breezy Johnson claimed gold. Timothy Loubineaud took 5th in the 5000 m speed skating. Norway leads the medal table with three golds.
