France Strikes Gold: Harrop and Anselmet Win Historic Ski Mountaineering Relay
Milano Cortina, Italy – February 21, 2026 – France has claimed the inaugural Olympic gold medal in ski mountaineering, with Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet dominating the mixed relay event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The French duo led the race from start to finish, finishing ahead of Switzerland.
A Historic Victory
This marks the first time France has won gold in ski mountaineering, following a bronze medal for Anselmet and a silver for Harrop in the sprint event. It’s France’s seventh gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Race Recap
Harrop started strong, immediately taking the lead in the women’s segment. She reached the first transition point in 2 minutes and 51.1 seconds. The team maintained their lead throughout, demonstrating a powerful performance in the uphill sections and seamless transitions.
“Forcément je suis un peu déçue, ce serait mentir de dire le contraire,” Harrop told France TV, adding with a smile, “But I’m happy with the silver.”
France TV
The French team successfully resisted a strong push from Switzerland, securing their victory with a combination of speed and technical skill.
Athlete Backgrounds
Emily Harrop, born September 27, 1997, is a three-time World Champion. She previously won a gold medal in the mixed relay at the 2022 European Championships alongside Thibault Anselmet. Thibault Anselmet similarly secured a bronze medal in the men’s sprint event earlier in the Games.
Harrop’s Journey
Harrop began her career in alpine skiing before transitioning to ski mountaineering at the age of 20. She represents France, despite being born to British parents, having grown up within the French sporting system.
Looking Ahead
This victory solidifies France’s position as a leading force in ski mountaineering and sets a strong foundation for future competitions. The success of Harrop and Anselmet is expected to inspire further growth and development of the sport in France.
FAQ
- What is ski mountaineering? Ski mountaineering is a winter sport that combines uphill and downhill skiing with mountaineering elements.
- When did ski mountaineering debut at the Olympics? Ski mountaineering made its debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
- Who won the silver medal in the mixed relay? Switzerland won the silver medal.
The gold medal win by Harrop and Anselmet is a testament to their dedication and skill, marking a historic moment for French ski mountaineering.