France has made a surprising change to its women's relay lineup for Wednesday's race at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in Anterselva.
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet will not be part of the French relay team competing on Wednesday in Anterselva. Instead, Camille Bened, who finished sixth in the individual event at these Olympics, has been selected to join Lou Jeanmonnot, Julia Simon, and Océane Michelon in the four-woman relay.
The decision to leave out Braisaz-Bouchet, a veteran presence on the French team, marks a notable shift in strategy for the coaching staff. Braisaz-Bouchet has been a mainstay of French biathlon relays in recent years, but the coaches have opted for a different combination in Anterselva.
Bened Earns Her Spot After Strong Individual Performance
Camille Bened's inclusion comes on the back of her impressive sixth-place finish in the women's individual race at these Games. That result demonstrated her current form and shooting reliability, both crucial factors in relay selection where each athlete's performance directly impacts the team's overall result.
Bened will line up alongside three other strong French biathletes. Lou Jeanmonnot has shown consistent form throughout the season, while Julia Simon remains one of France's most reliable performers in major championships. Océane Michelon rounds out the quartet, bringing youth and energy to the lineup.
French Relay Ambitions in Anterselva
The women's relay is always one of the most competitive events in Olympic biathlon, with multiple nations capable of challenging for medals. France has historically been a powerhouse in relay events, and despite the lineup change, expectations remain high for the team in Anterselva.
The relay format requires not just individual excellence but also seamless teamwork and consistency across all four legs. Each athlete must manage both the physical demands of the race and the pressure of shooting accurately while fatigued. The French coaching staff clearly believes this particular combination gives them the best chance of success on Wednesday.
The race will take place on the challenging Anterselva course, which has already tested the world's best biathletes throughout these Olympics. How the new French lineup performs will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.
