What a difference a year can make, just ask Lou Jeanmonnot. One year ago, Jeanmonnot was on the verge of winning the World Cup Total Score until she catastrophically fell on the final turn into the Holmenkollen Ski Stadium, finishing second, a crushing 20 points short of the Big Crystal Globe. Fast forward to this past week: she was all smiles holding the precious trophy high above her head, winning the title by well over 200 points.

Jeanmonnot, with two runner-up years in the Total Score behind her, is now the World Cup Queen with that title as well as the Individual, Sprint and Pursuit Score titles. Her rise and success might be called a long road, but actually, the French star ascended rather quickly, fueled by highly focused shooting, improving strong track performances and gritty determination. The 2018 IBU Junior Cup Total Score winner jumped to the IBU Cup Total Score winner in 2022, was promoted to the World Cup, finishing second in her second and third full seasons before ascending to the top of the podium this week.

After holding the heavy trophy and its smaller siblings for the first time, Jeanmonnot sat down and answered our five burning questions and a bonus about her plans once she returns home at season’s end.

Biathlonworld: Is there a feeling of relief now that you finally won the Big Crystal Globe after the heartbreak of last season?

Lou Jeanmonnot: Last year was not really a heartbreak. I feel I was lucky to be able to fight until the end with Franzi who was so strong all the way. I feel it was like more part of the process. I love that it’s not like each season being second and second. It’s more like learning different abilities and skills every season and now it was enough to win.

BW: How stressful was this season when you add in the Olympics and the expectations that you would win the Total Score?

LJ: It was really exhausting. It was emotionally really exhausting: being happy, being sad, sometimes disappointed and then back to training, pain in training, and feeling the stress from friends and family. Adding everything, in the end, it’s like I need to stop now! It’s not done but the main thing is that it’s quiet now. I feel better.

BW: Beyond winning the Total Score, what was your personal highlight of the season?

LJ: It was between the Olympics and Le Grand Bornand. I was looking forward to Le Grand Bornand because it was difficult for me two years ago. It was kind of a beast. Wanting to show my best at home with many family and friends was something I really cared about, and I was able to do it. That is maybe what I was most proud of. For sure the Olympics were an absolute great experience, but I would say it was not so great as I was thinking. We were not able to share the podiums. We were alone all the way, just facing media. It’s better here (Oslo). I feel at home, feeling close and knowing people around me is something I enjoy more.

BW: What was the hardest part of this journey?

LJ: The most difficult part (over the years) was controlling my shape and what people thought about it. I had to gain confidence about my skills and my body, Now I am happy to be confident about my skills and my body, as a biathlete it is cool, but as a human it’s even better!

BW: What do you think you could have done better this season, if anything?

LJ: With a huge laugh…Kontiolahti! At the beginning of the season in Oestersund, I wanted to control many things and adding more and more control and in the end I felt tight. Something like I could not move anymore. For me, that’s not how I do my best biathlon, so it was Oestersund and Kontiolahti (that I could have done better). The results were not as great (this year) as last year but the performance under pressure was much bigger and I am proud of this. Not about the real results but the ability to carry it all the way.

Biathlonworld Bonus: When the season finally ends, presumably after the French Champs, what are the first three things you will do when you get home?

LJ: I love to go training without the cardio. I love training, going just how far I want and not care how far I go, just being happy being outside and enjoying free time. My friends love his part. I am not a time person; I am always late! I will love relaxing in the sun, not feeling cold, not feeling pain in my legs and spending time with my friends.

Jeanmonnot went home with the title she hoped for last year. Now it’s time for some rest and then a reboot to reset goals for next year that likely include a repeat of the Total Score title!

Photos: IBU/ Nordnes, Yevenko, Nordic Focus