More than two years ago, Julia Simon stole national team colleague Justine Braisaz-Bouchet's credit card and shopped online. Only this fall, in connection with the trial, did Simon confess.
Braisaz-Bouchet has not commented on the case until now, telling L'Équipe that she wants to concentrate on sports, but that it is not always easy.
When I leave my family and go to the gatherings and competitions, it's all about sports. It's tough enough as it is to leave a girl who is almost three years old. I try to shut out everything else, but it's not always easy, says the 29-year-old.
Don't believe everything
What Braisaz-Bouchet has had the hardest time ignoring is not Simon's deception but the criticism she herself has received on social media.
It has not been easy when what has been said or written has been unfair and false, sometimes defamatory, she says.
She says the accusations of lying about Simon stealing her credit card are "unbelievable" and that the whole thing has taught her to be more careful about believing what she is told.
She says she is prepared to meet Simon again after she serves a month's suspension.
Everyone is prepared for that. I have sincere respect for the rider. It's not a problem. As long as I'm also respected and can do my job, it's not a problem.
Better than ever
In the more than two years that the incident has hung like a dark cloud over the French national team, the women have been better than ever in the competitions. Simon won the World Cup last time out and became the World Cup queen with four golds. Simon and Braisaz-Bouchet have competed together in relays.
The French court gave Simon a three-month suspended sentence and a fine. The French Ski Federation suspended Simon for six months, five of which are suspended, and she can compete again in mid-December. The International Biathlon Union's disciplinary committee, the BIU, will also review the case.
