Winter Olympics: French biathlete Julia Simons wins gold after credit card fraud conviction

The French Ski Federation imposed a six-month ban, five months of which were suspended, and fined Simon €30,000 (£26,000) of which €15,000 (£13,000) is suspended.

That allowed her to compete at the Winter Olympics, where on Wednesday she cried on the top step of the podium as her national anthem was played.

“It’s a lot of feelings when you are standing on the podium. You think about your doubts, your good moments, your bad moments, the people who helped you. I’m really proud of myself today,” Simon said.

On her choice of celebration, she said: “It was for one person, I think he knows it, he is here. I saw a bad article yesterday evening, and I think this person has to show me respect, because I respect him. And yesterday, it was really bad.

“[The gesture was a way to show that] I’m here, I’m here for sports. I’m doing my best sport. So now we have to speak about sport and not about gossip. If you want to speak about gossip, you go away.”

Speaking to Eurosport, Simon added: “What I would like now, in all honesty, is for you to leave me in peace.

“I would like you to leave me be and to perform. The page has been turned within the team – we have spoken about it.”

Simon, who has won 10 world titles, also won biathlon mixed relay gold three days ago.