Oceane Michelon’s last 15 days of biathlon have been something special: IBU World Championships Relay Gold medal and Mass Start Silver, followed by a stunning third place in the Nove Mesto Women’s Pursuit, capped by the Nove Mesto Women’s Relay win that vaulted France to the World Cup Relay Score Crystal Globe.

It has been an amazing first full season on the World Cup circuit for the 2024 IBU Cup Total Score titlist. She currently sits fifth in the World Cup Total Score and second in the race for the Blue (under 23) Bib, a mere two points behind teammate Jeanne Richard.

After Sunday’s resounding double-double: victory and Crystal Globes for both French relay teams, Michelon answered our Five Burning Questions and a bonus about her post-season plans.

Biathlonworld: Have the last couple of weeks been a bit surreal or pretty normal after the World Championships Gold and Silver medals and the Pursuit and Relay in Nove Mesto?

Oceane Michelon: These last two weeks have been pretty surreal, there have been and still are a lot of emotions and above all a lot of happiness and pleasure! I'm really happy with what I've achieved in these competitions, and I'm also delighted and honoured to be part of this wonderful team we have in France! The collective performances we're achieving in both individual races and relays are really encouraging!

BW: How special was that last loop in the Pursuit, leaving Lou and Doro behind?

OM: This last loop was really interesting, and I had a lot of fun! We came 4th and 5th after the last shooting with Lou, we were with Doro, and Selina was catching up. I felt in shape, and I thought it was possible to finish 3rd and 4th together, so I passed Lou at the top of the descent and said to her “come on, let's go together”. My aim was to get us as close to the podium as possible, to open up a gap on the other girls and make sure that 3rd and 4th place were ours, and then I gave it everything I had from that point on until the finish line, which was really great!

BW: Did your small taste in the World Cup last season (4 starts) open your eyes about the difference between that and the IBU Cup where you were so successful?

OM: My taste in the World Cup last year enabled me to realize the things that are really important to me, identify my key points and how to put them right, where it's important to put my attention. It taught me the importance of repeating the right things and directing my focus on the things that matter. It reminded me that the most important thing is to do good biathlon with the right frame of mind.

BW: What changed after that home World Cup in Le Grand Bornand that put you either on the podium or in the Flowers 10 times since then?

OM: I think I've identified after this first part of the season the things that work for me and the things that don't work so well. But I think things really changed from Oberhof, when I arrived sick and not sure I could race. That's when I learned to approach things day by day and with a lighter touch, to focus simply on the essentials; that helped me a lot.

BW: What have you learned from more experienced, multi-medaled teammates like Justine, Julia and Lou?

OM: I learned a lot from them, right from the summer preparation, as well as from my whole team. We discussed our key shooting and skiing points, skied a lot together, and I learned a lot from their experience. Their backgrounds and feelings reassured me at times. Our exchanges have been really enriching, and we often ask each other questions about our respective feelings. Their advice is invaluable and their approach to things has helped me a lot. We've also shared some very good times outside sport, which has strengthened our cohesion and added a nice lightness to the group atmosphere.

Biathlonworld Bonus Question: Even though the season is not quite over, what are the first three things you will do when you get home?

OM: Enjoy the last races in France; spend time with my family and friends; maybe take a little vacation.

Oceane Michelon’s talent and positive attitude have brought her a long way in a short time; no doubt that her biathlon future looks bright!

Photos: IBU/Igor Stancik, Vianney Thibaut, Nordic Focus