Why France Is Poised to Climb Higher on the Winter Olympics Medal Table
As the 2026 Milano‑Cortina Games enter their second week, the French delegation has already secured 12 medals – four gold, five silver and one bronze – placing the nation fourth in the overall standings. This surge is driven mainly by an unprecedented burst of success in biathlon, complemented by strong showings in ski alpine and ski cross.
Biathlon: The New Backbone of French Success
Biathlon alone has delivered seven medals for France (three gold, three silver, one bronze). The sprint in Antholz produced a silver for Océane Michelon – her first Olympic race – and a bronze for Lou Jeanmonnot. Both athletes praised their performances in live interviews with France Télévisions, highlighting the blend of “mental toughness” and “perfect shooting” that propelled them onto the podium.
Meanwhile, veteran biathlete Julia Simon struggled with the standing shoot, finishing well outside the top ten. Her candid post‑race comments underscore the fine margins that separate a podium finish from a “race to forget.”
Ski Alpine: A Glimpse of a Potential Medal
In the giant slalom at Bormio, Léo Anguenot posted the fifth‑best provisional time, just 0.34 seconds shy of the podium after the first run. His confidence‑filled interview emphasized a “elegant run” and a belief that “the second run could bring a medal.” The French team’s presence on the top‑five list signals a possible breakthrough in a discipline traditionally dominated by the Alpine powerhouses.
Overall Medal Landscape: Who’s Leading?
- Norway – 20 medals (10 gold) – currently tops the table.
- Italy – 18 medals (6 gold) – holding second place.
- United States – 16 medals (4 gold) – third.
- France – 12 medals (4 gold) – fourth, after a dramatic climb from ninth earlier in the week.
Future Trends: What the Current Surge Suggests
Given the concentration of medals in biathlon, French sport officials are likely to double down on young talent development and targeted shooting training. The emergence of 23‑year‑old Michelon and 24‑year‑old Jeanmonnot indicates a pipeline of athletes ready to compete at the highest level.
the close gap in ski alpine (Anguenot’s 0.34 seconds) hints that investment in technical coaching and course‑specific preparation could translate into podium finishes in upcoming World Cup events and future Olympic cycles.
Key Takeaways for French Winter Sports
- Biathlon is now the cornerstone of France’s medal haul; expect continued focus on shooting accuracy and endurance.
- Emerging athletes like Michelon and Jeanmonnot are poised to develop into the faces of the next generation.
- Ski alpine shows promise with Anguenot’s near‑podium run – a signal that French men’s technical skiing could improve.
- Maintaining the current momentum could push France into the top three before the Games conclude.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is France’s current position in the medal table?
- France sits in fourth place with a total of 12 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze).
- Which sport contributed the most medals for France so far?
- Biathlon, with seven medals (three gold, three silver, one bronze).
- Who are the French athletes that have won medals in biathlon?
- Océane Michelon (silver, sprint), Lou Jeanmonnot (bronze, sprint), and Julia Simon (multiple golds earlier in the Games).
- How close is Léo Anguenot to the ski alpine podium?
- He finished the first run 0.34 seconds behind the third‑place skier, keeping a realistic chance for a medal in the second run.
Stay Updated
Want to keep track of France’s medal chase? Subscribe to our daily Olympic roundup and join the conversation in the comments below. Share which French athlete you think will clinch the next gold!
