Ski mountaineering: Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet, world mixed relay champions!
The two athletes, both supported by the Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes, became world champions in the mixed ski mountaineering relay, a future Olympic discipline.
Bronze and silver medals in the sprint races
Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet brought a magnificent week for the French ski mountaineering team to a triumphant conclusion at the World Championships by winning gold in the mixed relay event. Already European champions in 2022 in this discipline that involves ascending and descending alpine trails on skis, they repeated their exploit in the World Championships held in Boí Taüll (Spain) on the slopes of the Spanish Pyrenees from February 28 to March 5.
Thibault also won a silver medal in the sprint event while Emily claimed bronze in the same event for women. Two days later, she was crowned world champion in the team event with her teammate, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret, leader of the French national team.
These two young skiers had already revealed their enormous potential last year on the World Cup circuit. Ending the 2022 season on a high note, Emily Harrop won the Crystal Globe while Thibault Anselmet finished 2nd, just a few points behind the leader. He is currently leading the overall World Cup circuit.
A good sign for 2026!
Emily, a member of the Courchevel ski club, comes from an alpine skiing background, competing on the FIS youth circuit from 2013 to 2017. Then, held back by injuries, she discovered ski mountaineering when she attended the celebrated Pierra Menta race.
Thibault Anselmet, who is a member of the Bonneval-sur-Arc ski club, also started out as an alpine skier but quickly became involved in ski mountaineering thanks to his father, who took part in competitions himself and encouraged Thibault to accompany him on outings as a child.
The two champions combined their talents to win this medal in the mixed relay, winning a major victory in a discipline to be included in the Olympic Games in 2026 along with the sprint event in which the two skiers sponsored by the Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes each won medals. A formidable challenge for Emily and Thibault for the next three seasons!
Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes, pursuing its long-term commitment to the world of regional sport, supports a team of athletes who are proud to represent their sport and their country. To learn more, click here
Photo credit: ©Skimostats