The Haute-Savoie native competed in Lake Placid on Saturday in what became the final international race of his career. A new chapter now awaits him.
At 34, Antonin Guigonnat is stepping away after twelve years on the World Cup circuit.
With 214 starts, six individual podiums, three World Championship medals (including gold in the single mixed relay in 2021 and in the men's relay in 2023), a European championship title and recent victories in the IBU Cup, the Frenchman has left a mark on the modern history of the French biathlon team.
An administrative and physical turning point
Limited to just three World Cup races this season before being sent back to the IBU Cup, Guigonnat saw the doors of the top level close.
The decision was influenced by the exceptional depth of the French team, but also by the choice made by the federation regarding the 2026/2027 season.
The loss of his military athlete status
“The national technical direction would not have proposed me again for elite athlete status with the ministry, despite a European championship title and victories in the IBU Cup. That means losing my high-level athlete contract with the Army,” he explained on the TV channel L'Equipe.
Fully aware of the level required on the circuit, the biathlete also admitted that he could no longer match the training demands needed to compete with the younger generation:
“I still have the competitive fire and I could keep racing for a long time.
But you need an incredible level to be part of this team. I’m no longer capable of doing the training that’s required. This time, it’s over.”
The frustration of a denied farewell
Guigonnat’s biggest regret is finishing his career away from the atmosphere of the World Cup circuit. The Oslo season finale was reserved for young talents such as Gaëtan Paturel and Damien Levet, meaning he had to say goodbye away from the spotlight.
“Of course I would have liked to say goodbye in the World Cup, because that’s the level where I enjoyed myself the most,” he admitted before describing his discussion with the head of French biathlon.
“Stéphane Bouthiaux told me I would have to win the overall IBU Cup standings to earn one last World Cup start, because he wanted to give Gaëtan Paturel and Damien Levet their first experience at the Oslo final.
I asked him with a smile: ‘And for one last World Cup appearance?’ But he stayed in his role as sports director. Gaëtan and Damien truly deserve it — they have the level.”
Despite a somewhat forced farewell, Antonin Guigonnat now looks calmly toward the future, hoping to spend more time at home and begin discussions with the Army about the next stage of his career.
“I experienced ten exceptional years. I enjoyed it — and that’s what matters most.”
