Stole from teammate – still allowed to participate in the Olympics

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Stole from teammate – still allowed to participate in the Olympics
Photo: Gian Ehrenzeller/AP/TT

The French Ski Federation (FFS) has suspended biathlon star Julia Simon for six months. Five of the months are conditional, meaning the 29-year-old can compete in the Olympics in Italy in February.

"The FFS disciplinary committee imposes a severe penalty on Julia Simon - but the biathlete is allowed to participate in the Olympics," writes the FFS on its website.

The announcement comes after Simon was convicted in October of theft and fraud against national team colleague Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.

Simon will miss the World Cup premiere in Östersund at the turn of November-December, but can compete again in Hochfilzen on December 12.

In addition to the suspension, Simon must also pay a fine of 30,000 euros, equivalent to around 332,000 kronor, to the FFS. The money will go towards training young biathletes. However, half of the fine, 15,000 euros, is conditional.

The suspension is effective from Friday, November 7. Both Simon and the union can appeal the decision within seven days.

The penalty in the court verdict was a three-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 15,000 euros.

"It feels like I'm in a black hole," Simon said in court.

Julia Simon is a ten-time world champion and took home four gold medals as recently as the Biathlon World Championships in Switzerland this spring. She is one of the biggest Olympic favorites.

"That she has now gone from denying everything to now admitting... I don't really know what to say. It's a really strange situation, and difficult for those on the team," said Swedish star Elvira Öberg when she was recently asked about the high-profile case that has shaken the biathlon world.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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