Biathlon: Chloé Dupont, a journey between Haute-Savoie and Great Britain
The Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide (Switzerland) are an opportunity to discover new athletes. In the women’s sprint, dominated by Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Chloé Dupont, a young Franco-British athlete, was discovering the world’s highest level.
Born inAnnecy (Haute-Savoie) to a French father and English mother, the 21-year-old biathlete finished the race in 81st place with a fine 9/10 behind the rifle . Back at the start of the individual event on Tuesday, she talks to Nordic Magazine about the World Championships and her career.
- How do you feel after your first race against the world’s top sprinters?
I’m really pleased with my 9/10! I’m a bit disappointed with my skiing form, but that’s to be expected as I’ve just come back from illness. I’m pretty happy with this first experience with the best biathletes in the world. I think I gave my best for the day, so that’s the most important thing. The skiing was really tough, and I fought from start to finish with the feeling I had that day. In shooting, I really wanted to be 100% in the moment, and I think it worked, so that’s satisfying.
- How did you approach this race?
It wasn’t an event that I had prepared for, because I found out about my selection at the last minute. I just wanted to enjoy the experience and have fun. On the one hand, I was a bit apprehensive about not having the level to take part in this race with all the biathlon stars. It’s a great reward to be able to take part in these World Championships and get a taste of the world circuit while still a junior.
“It was really good to race against the best in the world”.Chloé Dupont at Nordic Magazine
- Before that, you’d already taken part in the mixed relay, and you went with Norway…
It was completely unexpected to start with Norway! It just goes to show that anything can happen in biathlon. It was really good to race against the world’s best. I made too many mistakes on the shooting range, but it was still a great experience!
- Could you ever have imagined taking part in a World Championship?
No, frankly, I didn’t think I’d be here, or at least not so soon. It’s a pleasant surprise and very motivating.
“He’s a legend and yet he seems to keep his feet on the ground”.Chloé Dupont at Nordic Magazine
- Do you have a role model in biathlon?
At the moment it’s Campbell Wright! It’s really inspiring because he comes from a small nation [New Zealand, editor’s note]. Otherwise, of course, it’s not very original, but Johannes Thingnes Boe. He’s a legend and yet he seems to keep his feet on the ground.
- Before these world championships, you had a long career in France: tell us about it…
I started cross-country skiing with my club, the Dragons d’Annecy. I was then selected for the Mont Blanc biathlon committee and spent four years at the Le Fayet hope centre.
“This year, I’ve finally found a balance”.Chloé Dupont at Nordic Magazine
- Then you joined the British team…
I was beginning to lose the pleasure in biathlon, but I had a feeling of unfinished business. I still loved the sport as much as ever, but I felt I needed to take a different route, one that suited me better. So I thought why not join the British team. I’d already met Shawna [Pendry] and I was in contact with Iris [Pessey], our coach. It was difficult at first because I went from a structure where I was surrounded by a lot of people to a team in full development. I wasn’t used to training on my own and I wanted to go to physiotherapy school, which is quite selective. So I found it hard to combine biathlon and my studies during the first two seasons with the British team. This year, I’ve finally found a balance with the arrangements at the IFMK in Grenoble that allow me to combine the two. I’m really happy with my decision, because now I feel like I’ve got my project, and it’s up to me to make it happen.
- Before these World Championships, what was your greatest memory of your biathlon career?
I’ve got too many memories running through my head, but in terms of racing, I’d say it was the day I won a French Biathlon Cup at Les Contamines-Montjoie. It was at U19 level, so it’s getting a bit old [it was in January 2022, editor’s note], but it’s still a benchmark race for me. In particular, I remember my last shot when I was in the lead for the first time and I knew I wouldn’t let that opportunity slip through my fingers. On my last lap, I had my family and friends cheering me on. It was really great.
“I have the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympics in the back of my mind”.Chloé Dupont at Nordic Magazine
- This Tuesday, you’ll be starting the individual race. How will you be tackling the race?
I’m a bit stressed because I feel like I’ve found something that works with my shooting. I want to confirm that and find the consistency I’ve been lacking since the start of the season. When it comes to skiing, I want to relax a bit more and enjoy myself. I’m really looking forward to it and giving it my 100%!
- What does the end of the season have in store for you?
After the Worlds, I’m going to continue with the World Junior Championships in Östersund [from 26 February to 5 March, editor’s note] then I’ll finish the season at the IBU Cup in Otepää [from 6 to 15 March, editor’s note].
- Finally, what are your ambitions for the rest of your biathlon career?
Above all, I want to continue to progress and enjoy biathlon, even if I have the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympics in the back of my mind.
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