Suspended imprisonment for a French athlete on fraud charges sports

The French judiciary issued a three-month suspended prison sentence against double skating competitor Julia Simon, and fined her 15,000 euros (about 17,000 dollars), after she was convicted of fraud and credit card theft, which raises doubts about her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Simone – the 2023 World Cup winner, who carries France’s hopes of winning a medal in Milano-Cortina – admitted all the facts and charges before the Albertville Criminal Court and apologized to the two victims: her teammate Justine Brysaz Bouchet, and the team’s physical therapist.

Simone said before the court that she was sorry and unable to explain her behavior, adding that she had resorted to a psychiatrist to recover from this matter, according to what was reported by French media.

In this context, the French Skating Federation issued a statement saying that its disciplinary committee would meet as soon as possible to consider the case related to Julia Simon.

Prosecutors pointed to two frauds conducted using the victims’ bank cards, although Simone had previously denied any wrongdoing, as she said in 2023 that her name had been used without her knowledge, and that she had filed a complaint for theft of her identity.

The issue has rocked French duet sport ahead of the Milan and Cortina Olympics, which are scheduled to start on February 6 next year.

It is noteworthy that Julia Simon (29 years old), who is the winner of the 2023 World Cup, has won 10 gold medals at the World Ski Championships.