Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet win first gold medal in mixed relay ski mountaineering

Thibaut Simon, Media365: published on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 5:15 pm

Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet have won the first gold medal in mixed relay ski mountaineering for the French team. A joy at the end of the effort for Harrop.

Exhausted, emptied, Emily Harrop could not respond to the press after her Olympic gold medal in mixed relay ski mountaineering. It was actually her fellow Frenchman, Thibault Anselmet, who spoke first in front of the France Télévisions microphone. After regaining her composure and lowering her heart rate: “I got my colors back but it took a bit of time for me. I spent a good 10-15 minutes with my legs in the air in recovery position,” Harrop said about her gold medal.

“We knew we could do it”

“Forever the first,” the duo Harrop-Anselmet could rightfully borrow the slogan of Olympique de Marseille. This Saturday, the French pair mastered their subject as told by the French woman, already a winner of silver in the individual event. “It feels good. It feels really good. We knew we could do it. We implemented a strategy that required courage, but also control. It’s a medal that is also for the team.” For the French, the strategy was clear: lead the race and quickly take control.

Beyond this victory, the French, who have offered a seventh gold medal to the French camp – before Océane Michelon took the 8th in the mass-start – have placed their discipline at the top of these 2026 Winter Games. “It’s a medal that represents everything that French ski-mountaineering has been putting in place for years. Honestly, it’s pure happiness. We hope this will help grow our sport and that our Olympic adventure will continue with beautiful colors.” Almost “disappointed” this Thursday after her silver medal, Emily Harrop two days later finally solidified a life devoted to her sport. “It’s a whole life dedicated to this. Mentally, it’s not easy every day for me and for my loved ones.”