France, Feb. 19 -- Teammates Camille Bened, Lou Jeanmonnot and Oceane Michelon ran up to embrace her for anchoring home the squad and furnishing France with its first triumph in the event since the 1992 Games in Albertville in south-eastern France.

Thefantastic fourcelebrated in a huddle for the best part of a minute before respectfully reconfiguring to welcome home Sweden's Hanna Oeberg.

"It's always been a dream to finish a race waving the flag," a radiant Simon told French broadcaster France 2 minutes after she had won her third gold medal.

"And I was able to do it. The others gave me the chance to finish in such wonderful style."

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