For over two years, suspicions of fraud and theft have hung over Julia Simon, who was sentenced on Friday to a three-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 15,000 euros.
"I feel like I'm in a black hole," Simon said, according to the newspaper Dauphiné Libéré.
At a press conference in connection with a camp in Idre, the Swedish team was asked questions about the high-profile legal process.
"That it has now gone from her denying everything to her now admitting... I don't really know what to say. It's a really strange situation, and difficult for those on the team," says Elvira Öberg.
“Never been better”
Since the suspicions became known in October 2023, Julia Simon has won eight World Championship gold medals and one World Championship bronze.
The French women's team has never been better than these years. It has absolutely not affected how they perform. I assume they are still very professional around that in the team, says Hanna Öberg.
Elvira Öberg agrees:
Somehow they have clearly found an approach to sports. They have still managed to perform.
“Very difficult”
The French Ski Federation has announced that they will make a decision “shortly” about Simon’s future in the national team. How forgiving the federation should be towards Simon is difficult to say, the Swedes say.
Very difficult. Incredibly special. Where do you draw the line for what is okay, especially when a teammate is the victim. I'm glad it's not me who has to decide that, says Elvira Öberg.
"I think it will be quite a while before we don't see Julia (Simon) competing. I think that's reasonable in a way. Everyone can make mistakes," says Hanna Öberg.
The World Cup starts on November 29th in Östersund.
