Amandine Mengin’s 2025/2026 season was nothing short of remarkable. Despite being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, she achieved personal bests, secured a podium finish in the IBU Cup, and won the Mass Start crystal globe—all while proving that a chronic illness doesn’t have to end an athletic career. Now, she shares her journey to inspire others.

Biathlonworld: Amandine, last season was another step forward in your journey toward the French World Cup team. How did you experience it? Amandine Mengin: I’m very satisfied with the season. I got to start right at the opening World Cup in Östersund, where I finished 38th in the individual race. I improved in Oslo, placing 25th in the sprint with clean shooting. In between, I competed in the IBU Cup and achieved strong results, especially in Lake Placid, where I won the sprint. I didn’t expect these results, because at the start of last summer, I didn’t even know if I could continue with elite sports.

BW: What made you doubt that? AM: I felt terrible when training started in May 2025. I was constantly exhausted, had muscle issues, and had gained nine kilograms. I couldn’t explain it. The doctors ran blood tests and found the cause: I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease.

BW: How does this condition affect your daily life? AM: I have to take medication every day, but I tolerate it well, so I can live my life without major restrictions. I’ve spoken with Chloe Dupont, who also has Hashimoto’s. The disease doesn’t affect my training—I train just as I did before the diagnosis. On competition days, I have my heart rate checked first thing in the morning while still in bed. The results are for my coaches, so they can assess whether I’m at full capacity.

BW: How did you mentally process this diagnosis? AM: It was a shock, a catastrophe. I’m 21 years old, an elite athlete, and suddenly I’m faced with an incurable disease. The diagnosis was also a relief because it explained my symptoms, but I was very confused about what to do next. One thing was clear: I didn’t want to give up biathlon.

BW: In elite sports, women’s bodies are often scrutinised. Your weight gain was visible. How did you handle that? AM: Honestly, I wasn’t even aware I had gained weight. People around me pointed it out. I don’t stress much about my weight, and thanks to the medication, I’ve since lost the extra kilos.

BW: The competition within the French women’s team is fierce. Does it add pressure, knowing your illness might affect your performance? AM: Of course, it affects me that there are so many talented young athletes in our team. It’s tough for everyone to secure their spot. I know I’ll lose my place if I’m not in top form. That scares me, but I work every day to improve. My illness shouldn’t be an excuse for poor performance. I don’t want to be defined by it, nor do I want people to see me only through the lens of my condition.

BW: Why did you decide to share your story publicly? AM: I want to encourage other athletes that a Hashimoto’s diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of their career. There are ways to manage it.

BW: What are your goals for the future? AM: I want to compete in the IBU Cup next season and improve my personal best in the World Cup. I’ll focus especially on my skiing performance. Long-term, I aim to compete in the Olympic Winter Games. After my athletic career, I can see myself working as a primary school teacher.

Explainer Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. While the condition is incurable, it can be effectively managed with thyroid hormone medication.