The court found ten-time biathlon world champion Julia Simon guilty on all counts and sentenced her to three months of suspended prison time and a fine of 15,000 euros for theft.
This was reported by Le Dauphine Libere.
On Friday, October 24, Simon appeared before the criminal court in Albertville on charges of credit card theft and fraud. The prosecution included a total of five counts. The investigation identified three victims, including Simon's teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.
“I acknowledge the fact of theft. I panicked, closed myself off when I was informed about it by the federation. I cannot explain my motives, I cannot comprehend it.
My actions have no financial motivation. Today I move forward day by day because my presence here will have consequences for my career. Everything that happened is absurd because I didn't need this,” Simon's words in court are quoted by Le Dauphine Libere.
The court also ruled that Simon must reimburse Braisaz-Bouchet for legal costs and pay one euro as compensation for damages to the French Ski Federation.
Simon is 29 years old, she is a silver medalist of the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing in the mixed relay, and the holder of the Big Crystal Globe of the World Cup.
