Quentin Fillon Maillet left the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games with Olympic Pursuit and Individual Gold medals, three Silver medals, and went on to capture the World Cup Total Score. In a few days, Fillon Maillet will step into the Südtirol Arena prepared and determined to defend his Olympic titles.

Olympic Motivation

Although the interceding years have been far from perfect, Fillon Maillet is confident in his ability to rise to the occasion. Looking back to 2022, he admitted, “That’s a long time; such a long time between Olympics makes it a more important event. This season I feel more motivation and excitement about what an Olympic season means.”

Pursuit Gold, “Incredible”

Of his five medals, the 33-year-old is most proud of the Pursuit Gold. “When I won the individual, I did not have the emotion; I had a good race but never expected to win, starting early with two mistakes. I had three medals by the Pursuit; the conditions were terrible with the wind. It was hard fight on the track and to get the title of Olympic Champion that day was incredible. When I was a kid, I dreamed of being the best athlete in the world but never thought of two Gold medals in my career. I worked for it but never dreamed it would come true. Today, I am still working; still have the same passion.”

“I dream big”

Fillon Maillet’s success comes from talent combined with hard work, motivation and thinking big. “Every season I dream big; to be Olympic Champion, World Champion, to have the big Globe. Some seasons I feel it is possible, but in some it is a little bit far. When we finished second in the Mixed Relay (in Beijing), I told my teammates we had something that could not be taken away. I had touched my dream, an Olympic medal, my first. Then when I won Gold in the Individual, I had finished my goal for the Olympics, one medal with the team and a Gold medal in an individual competition. I knew then I could do something big and at the last race of the season, won the Overall. One of my best qualities is that I can keep focused until I reach my goal…When you work hard and dream big, you can reach your goals.”

2024/25 Renaissance; Prepared for Olympic Season

The 2024/25 season was a renaissance for Fillon Maillet. Two individual IBU WCH Bronze medals plus Mixed Relay Gold and Relay Silver were a huge step towards this Olympic season. “After the Olympics, I had two hard seasons, not terrible; I was still one of the best athletes in the world and to have the chance for medals at the World Championships, but that was not enough for me. Last season was much better, especially on skis, I was back to my best level… I know if I shoot clean, I can expect good things.”

This season, he has shown flashes of brilliance, sitting fifth in the World Cup Total Score with couple of clean shooting days, a sprint win, and some solid relay legs in the runup to Antholz. Knowing nothing in sport goes straight up, he remains upbeat. “Your career is sometimes like a wave. Sometimes you are at the top; sometimes you go down. Now I feel like I am near the top; I can fight for the win. I am happy with my summer and preparation. I improved on skis and shooting.”

Antholz, “I love the place”

The mention of over a dozen individual and relay podiums at Antholz over the years brings a confident smile to Fillon Maillet’s face. “I am really happy to compete in the Olympics at Antholz. It’s my best place in the world to compete. I love the place; It is beautiful. I love the hotel. I love the snow; most of the time, the conditions are very good. It’s the place where I had my first victory. I am looking forward to and will enjoy competing in the Olympics there.”

“You have to give your best”

It has been a long four years since Quentin Fillon Maillet starred in Beijing but now is fully prepared to defend his titles. He has stayed true to himself with his eyes on the prize. “If you want to be a champion, you should follow a path. It will be very hard, but if every day, you give enough energy to training and motivation, you will maybe have the chance to reach your goal. You have to give all of your best to catch something special.”

Don’t bet against the French star leaving Antholz with multiple medals around his neck.

Photos: IBU/ Manzoni, Deubert, Slavik, Nordic Focus