Earlier this fall, Frenchwoman Julia Simon was sentenced to three months' probation and fined €15,000 for taking Justine Braisaz-Bouchet's credit card and using it to shop online. The French federation also banned her for six months, five of which were suspended.
Simon missed the World Cup premiere in Östersund, but was back for the competitions in Hochfilzen where she came in 19th place in the sprint.
It's been up and down. But I've had good support at home and I've gotten good training.
When asked if she was mentally ready to compete, she replied:
Of course, I showed that today, especially on the shooting range (a miss). And it will get better and better throughout the season.
The fraud took place 2.5 years ago, but Simon did not admit it until the trial this fall. In any case, the incident has not affected the team during the last two competition seasons, when the French sisters have been better than ever.
We've cleared the air, we've talked, but it stays between us, says Simon.
Simon was the World Cup queen last season with four gold medals.
