Military athletes add a new wave of Olympic medals at Milano Cortina 2026, led by France’s relay biathlon double gold

ANTERSELVA (ITA) — The closing phase of the biathlon programme at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games highlighted once again the decisive contribution of athletes in uniform, as two consecutive relay races produced major successes involving military competitors. At the same time, military athletes from several nations continued to collect medals across alpine skiing, bobsleigh, freestyle skiing, speed skating, short track and cross-country skiing, underlining their broad impact across the Winter Games.

The men’s 4×7.5 km relay first delivered a dramatic scenario. After early difficulties that placed the team far from the podium positions, France progressively rebuilt its race through controlled shooting and disciplined pacing. The decisive moment came on the final leg where Sergeant Éric Perrot, under direct pressure in the closing kilometres, maintained composure and defended the lead to secure Olympic gold. His performance, alongside teammate Claude, both members of the CNSD, completed one of the most remarkable comebacks of the Games and brought France a historic victory in the discipline.

Twenty-four hours later, the women’s relay confirmed this momentum. In the 4×6 km event, the French quartet produced a balanced and consistent race built on accuracy at the shooting range and efficient ski transitions. Within the team, Sergeant Lou Jeanmonnot and MDL Océane Michelon played key roles in maintaining stability across the relay legs before the final exchange secured another Olympic title for France.

Across both races, the outcome illustrated the same principle: relay biathlon rewards collective cohesion more than individual brilliance. The ability to remain composed after shooting sequences, to manage fatigue and to trust teammates ultimately determined victory.

Beyond biathlon, military athletes also stood out in several other events during 16–18 February. On 16 February, Germany’s Laura Nolte claimed silver in the women’s monobob, while Minerva Hase earned bronze in figure skating pairs. Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard captured gold in the men’s alpine skiing slalom, and Italy’s Flora Tabanelli took bronze in freestyle skiing big air, representing the Esercito.

On 17 February, Germany added further success in bobsleigh with Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller both winning bronze in the two-man event. Italy’s military sport structures were also prominently represented in speed skating, with Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti and Andrea Giovannini contributing to Italy’s gold medal in the men’s team pursuit (Fiamme Gialle).

On 18 February, Switzerland’s Nadja Kälin won silver in the women’s cross-country skiing team sprint, while Italy continued its medal run in multiple disciplines. In short track, Chiara Betti (Fiamme Gialle) was part of the Italian team that secured silver in the women’s 3000 m relay. In cross-country skiing, Elia Barp (Fiamme Gialle) earned bronze in the team sprint free technique.

With France’s back-to-back relay triumphs and a steady stream of podium finishes across disciplines from Germany, Switzerland and Italy, military athletes once again demonstrated their impact on the Olympic stage, embodying discipline, resilience and teamwork — values that continue to define the spirit of military sport at Milano Cortina 2026.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Equipe de France Olympique et Paralympique, Italia Team)