The French biathlon team is not finding peace. The accused makes a curious statement. Meanwhile, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet offers deep insight.
The events and mood surrounding the French biathlon team are the big topic at the World Cup opener. The French federation’s handling of it is also causing some irritation these days.
Background: After the credit card scandal surrounding Julia Simon, reports surfaced in the French media a few weeks ago that Jeanne Richard allegedly manipulated her teammate Océane Michelon’s rifle in Pokljuka. This was reportedly observed by five-time world champion Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.
Did Jeanne Richard manipulate her teammate’s rifle?
Richard Creates a Bizarre Situation
Now, the accused Richard commented on the matter on TV, creating a bizarre moment in an interview with the Swedish broadcaster SVT . Initially, Richard spoke in English – until the reporter asked a question about the uncomfortable topic for her.
“Everyone is fighting for a spot at the Olympics – and there have been turbulences in the team and in your case. Can you explain the situation?” the question read.
Richard then switched to French: “It’s an exciting season because the Olympics are just around the corner. We want to show what we’ve got, in the beautiful competitions that make up the Olympics.”
The reporter followed up, asking if she could say anything about the incident. The 23-year-old now looks at the federation’s press officer before laughing and saying: “They are rumors that have influenced me. I have my opinion on the situation, but I’ll keep it to myself.”
Braisaz-Bouchet Provides Deep Insight
Braisaz-Bouchet later answered the questions about the chaos and whether it affects the French team in more detail.
“The case against Julia Simon is over, the various instances have made their decisions, so I have nothing more to say about it. I’m focusing on my own career, my family, my daughter,” the 29-year-old began.
When asked about the mood in the team, she then offered a deeper insight: “It’s not important to be friends when you’re competing. That’s not important. You can perform and respect each other without being friends, that’s not a problem.”
Braisaz-Bouchet continued: “I don’t want to speak for others, but I do my best to respect everyone when we’re in the arena – and I think I succeed in that. Outside the arena, I only spend my time with positive people and my family.”
The French women’s team had already been shaken by the credit card affair surrounding Julia Simon last year. After admitting guilt in October, the French federation suspended Simon for the opening races in Östersund.
As soon as the verdict was announced, the mysterious case surrounding Richard made new waves. The federation is now apparently trying to prevent too much information from getting out with sometimes strange methods.
“No one from the team was allowed to say anything until yesterday,” said Dexne: “There was even pressure put on us and told that whoever asks something will not get any more interviews – none at all.”
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