After an intense duel against the German Denise Herrmann-Wick, already titled in the sprint, Julia Simon was crowned world champion in the pursuit, this Sunday in Oberhof. Yet left with a hell of a disbursement, but exceptional in shooting, the Frenchwoman won the first major title of her career. The Norwegian Marte Olsbu Roeiseland completes the podium.
Tenth in the sprint on Friday, Simon started in a chasing position, one minute after Herrmann. But three first clear shots, where all her competitors were forced to go through the penalty ring at least once, allowed her to take the lead at halfway, neck and neck with the ‘German.
From composure to the last shot
Everything then came down to the last standing shot, where Simon showed all his composure, by triggering very quickly. Even if she made a mistake, she made her German opponent flinch, who made two mistakes. She was then able to fly towards the title in the last loop.
This is the first individual medal for Simon in a major championship. The Savoyard, currently leading the World Cup, had already known the podium a few days ago in Oberhof, with the mixed relay (3rd). In 2021, she was crowned in Pokljuka with the single mixed relay. This individual distinction rewards his superb start to the season.