France Strikes Gold in Inaugural Olympic Ski Mountaineering Mixed Relay

Milano Cortina, Italy – February 21, 2026 – France’s Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet have etched their names in Olympic history, winning the gold medal in the inaugural Olympic ski mountaineering mixed relay event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The French duo dominated the race, finishing ahead of their competitors and securing France’s first-ever Olympic title in the sport.

A Historic Victory

The ski mountaineering mixed relay event marked the debut of the sport at the Winter Olympics. Harrop and Anselmet proved to be a formidable team, consistently leading the race from start to finish. Their victory underscores France’s strength in ski mountaineering, a discipline gaining popularity worldwide.

Harrop’s Silver and Anselmet’s Bronze Earlier in the Games

Prior to the relay triumph, Emily Harrop secured a silver medal in the women’s sprint event, while Thibault Anselmet claimed the bronze in the men’s race. These individual successes foreshadowed the team’s gold-medal performance, demonstrating the depth of talent within the French ski mountaineering squad. [Source: Memesita.com]

Emily Harrop: From Alpine Skiing to Olympic Champion

Born on September 27, 1997, in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France, Emily Harrop initially competed in alpine skiing before transitioning to ski mountaineering at the age of 20. She is a three-time World Champion, with victories in team and mixed relay events at the 2023 and 2025 World Championships. [Source: Wikipedia] Harrop’s decision to represent France, despite having English parents, stems from her upbringing within the French sporting system. [Source: Memesita.com]

Thibault Anselmet: A Consistent Performer

Thibault Anselmet has consistently demonstrated his skill in ski mountaineering, partnering with Harrop to secure multiple World Championship titles in the mixed relay. His bronze medal in the men’s sprint at the 2026 Winter Olympics, combined with the relay gold, highlights his versatility and contribution to the French team’s success.

Looking Ahead

France’s strong performance in the inaugural Olympic ski mountaineering events positions them as a leading force in the sport. The success of Harrop and Anselmet is expected to inspire further growth and participation in ski mountaineering, both in France and internationally. [Source: Olympics.com]