French athletes Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet secured a gold medal for France in the mixed relay event of Olympic ski mountaineering in Bormio.

Emily Harrop, a top French medal hopeful in ski mountaineering's Winter Olympic debut, had the option to compete for Team GB.

Emily Harrop, a top medal contender for France in ski mountaineering's Winter Olympic debut, had the option to compete for Team GB.

Emily Harrop, a top medal contender for France in ski mountaineering's Winter Olympic debut, had the option to compete for Team GB.

Ski mountaineering, a sport testing strength and endurance, will make its Olympic debut at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

Emily Harrop, a four-time overall ski-mountaineering world champion, is favored to win gold for France despite being eligible to compete for Team GB.

Emily Harrop, a top French medal hope in ski mountaineering's Winter Olympic debut, had the option to compete for Team GB.