Q: Did you surprise yourself by winning this big globe?

A: "I'm especially surprised to have made so many top 6s, so many podiums. The globe, yes and no, because it was a medium-term goal, in the next two, three years, that I had announced to the coaches, and it arrived earlier than expected. I wanted to be consistent, and play the general classification, it was the logical next step, but it really happened earlier than expected. I managed to manage my emotions very well, to take race after race, not to get carried away, and I think that's why I managed to get this globe. It's a big step forward in my career. That's it! Now, we will have to manage the aftermath, it's not easy. I had the best season of my career, by far, and I remember above all the way: it is on this that I will try to build for future seasons. I learned a lot this winter."

Q: Even secretly, you didn't dream of it this season?

A: "No, frankly, I was really focused on how to do things. Once the Worlds were over (at the end of February), I said to myself: +Now, this is my goal. There are three weeks left (in the World Cup) and we have to go get it.+ But at the beginning of the season, no. I told the coaches: +I want to be more consistent, stop the emotional roller coaster, go from a 60th place to a podium or a win+."

Q: How do you compare the title of world champion and the big globe?

A: "These are completely different emotions. The title of world champion is strong in the moment, it is very emotional on a day. From the finish line to the evening with the (protocol) ceremony, it's the race after the race, it's a whirlwind. The globe is lengthwise. You have to try to manage the emotions from the end of November to the end of March, not to make the emotional lift. But the pride is the same."

Biathlete Julia Simon during a photo shoot in Paris, March 27, 2023 © JOEL SAGET / AFP

Q: How do you feel after such a full winter?

A: "I really feel the difference between winters where I was thinking +I'm tired+ and there, where I'm really mentally tired. There was a decompression. I feel like I've been partying for four days in a row... I sleep, I sleep, I sleep, a lot. I am more easily irritable. I feel that I am not ready to go into a big debate where we need to argue... There, I need to be quietly at home, to go tinker a little in my (carpentry) workshop, to see my family, to do things that recharge my batteries. It's the first time I've had this feeling. Last year, after the (Olympic) Games, I cut longer (than usual), it was the first time I cut so much and it was beneficial: when I resumed, I really had the desire and motivation. I think I will do the same. And take a big break at the level of the shot, at the level of the head. I didn't say to myself +I'm going to resume at this time+, I'm going to adapt according to how I feel."

Q: What do you dream of now?

A: "There is no change. These are emotions so strong and so ephemeral... I had barely crossed the (finish) line of the pursuit (at the Worlds) when it was already over... I want to do it again. It is a drug. We just realized something, it's great, and we want to do it again. What also makes me vibrate is to see happy the staff who work for us all year, all winter, the coaches who support our highs, our lows, our mood changes, our moments of doubt ... I love these moments and I want to relive them. So there will still be dreams of medals, at the World Championships, at the Olympic Games, and why not go and get more globes?"

Julia Simon exhibits her crystal globe during a shoot in Paris, March 27, 2023 © JOEL SAGET / AFP

Interview by Elodie SOINARD.

© 2023 AFP