Justine Braisaz-Bouchet: Defending Champion Retains Spot for Olympic Mass Start
ANTHOLZ, 21 February 2026 – In a decision that has sparked significant debate within the French biathlon camp, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet will take to the start line today to defend her Olympic Mass Start title. Despite a series of disappointing performances earlier in these Milano-Cortina 2026 Games, the coaching staff has opted to trust the experience of the 2022 gold medallist over rising talent Camille Bened.
A Difficult Fortnight in Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics have, until now, been a “calvaire” (ordeal) for the Albertville-born athlete. Braisaz-Bouchet, 29, has struggled significantly with her shooting accuracy in the high altitudes of Antholz-Anterselva. Her results during the first week of competition were uncharacteristic for a skier of her calibre, finishing 80th in the Individual 15 km and 62nd in the Sprint, which led to her failing to qualify for the Pursuit.
The French technical team faced a difficult selection dilemma for the 12.5 km Mass Start, the final individual women’s event of the Games. While Camille Bened was considered a strong candidate for the spot, the staff ultimately decided to follow “sporting logic,” banking on Braisaz-Bouchet’s proven ability to perform in high-pressure, head-to-head situations. She remains the reigning Olympic and World champion in this specific discipline.
Internal Tensions and Team Dynamics
The backdrop to Braisaz-Bouchet’s performance has been clouded by the well-documented legal dispute with teammate Julia Simon. Reports during these Games have revisited the conviction of Simon regarding the fraudulent use of Braisaz-Bouchet’s credit card between 2021 and 2022. While Simon has found success on the snow in 2026, Braisaz-Bouchet was notably omitted from the French women’s relay team earlier this week, a move that many analysts interpreted as a sign of her waning form or the ongoing friction within the squad.
Athlete Profile: Justine Braisaz-Bouchet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 4 July 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Albertville, France |
| Olympic Titles | Gold (12.5 km Mass Start, Beijing 2022) |
| World Championship Medals | Gold (Mass Start 2024, 2025), Silver (Relay 2015) |
| 2026 Olympic Form | 80th (Individual), 62nd (Sprint) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Women’s Mass Start today?
The race is scheduled to begin at 14:15 on Saturday 21 February 2026 at the Südtirol Arena in Antholz.
Why was Justine Braisaz-Bouchet selected despite her poor form?
The French coaching staff cited her status as the defending Olympic and World champion in the Mass Start. They believe her skiing speed and experience in this specific format provide a higher “medal potential” than Camille Bened, despite her recent struggles on the shooting range.
What happened between Braisaz-Bouchet and Julia Simon?
The two teammates were involved in a legal dispute where Julia Simon was accused and subsequently convicted of credit card fraud involving Braisaz-Bouchet’s personal accounts. The incident occurred between 2021 and 2022, involving purchases totalling approximately €2,000.