Jacques Jefferies, born in the Portes du Soleil region and junior world biathlon champion — is beginning a new chapter in his sporting career: he will now represent Great Britain on the international circuit. This decision has been carefully considered by the Franco-British biathlete after several years competing with the French teams.
A journey shaped in Les Gets
Born in France to British parents, Jacques grew up between two cultures, rooted in the mountains of Chablais. It was at the Les Gets Ski Compétition club that he took his first steps on skis before joining the Mont Blanc Ski Committee, then the French Junior and B teams.
Early on, his determination and talent brought him to the international high level with several important titles :
- Junior European Champion in mixed relay at Pokljuka (Slovenia) alongside Jeanne Richard, Camille Coupé, Damien Levet
- Junior World Champion in Soldier Hollow (USA)
- Winner of the French Cup in the same year as his teammate and Les Gets ambassador, Jeanne Richard
- 6ᵗʰ place in the IBU Cup this past winter (one of Jacques’s best results on the international circuit)
These remarkable results make Jacques one of the most promising young biathletes of his generation.
Choosing a new start under the colors of Great Britain
After three years with the French team, in spring 2025 Jacques took the difficult but necessary decision to join the British Biathlon Federation.
He explains that this change in sporting nationality is motivated by the desire to continue progressing and to take on a new challenge on the eve of an Olympic season.
“Leaving the best team in the world is not an easy decision, Jacque says. But it was a question of sporting survival, to keep moving forward.”
“When I look back at all the years I spent in the French team, I am extremely proud of the journey I had. I am World Champion, European Champion, I won the French Cup, I have been part of the French teams, and that’s why I became French now about ten years ago.”
His ultimate goal for the season is clear: to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics and to represent both his cultures on the international stage.
“The Olympics are a dream, it’s huge to think that this winter, I might be at the start of the Games. There are twelve wildcards to get, my name will be there. There is no question about early or late, this winter I want to be at the Games, and I hope it works out.”
Still loyal to his Les Gets roots
Despite this change of jersey, Jacques Jefferies remains deeply attached to the Les Gets resort, his formative club, and the whole high-Savoie region. He is a member of the Team Haute-Savoie Nordique, continues to train in the region, and shares his experience with young athletes from the area.
An inspiring ambassador for Les Gets
Jacques perfectly embodies the values of the Les Gets resort: passion, commitment, and pushing one’s limits. His career, marked by successes, effort and self-reflection, illustrates the resilience and determination that drive the Gotian (from Les Gets) sporting community.
The resort of Les Gets is delighted to continue supporting its ambassador, a proud representative of the territory, in this new stage of his sporting career. We wish him the best for this Olympic season and the challenges ahead !
Discover an excerpt from a conversation between the Les Gets Tourism team and Jacques Jefferies
“How do you see the upcoming season?”
Jacques : “I think this season won’t be an easy one because of the change of team and environment, but I’ll get to discover new circuits and competitions of a completely different scale. Of course, I’m a bit apprehensive, but I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be an incredible challenge! I only have one wish — that winter starts so I can put on my skis and race.”
“How did your summer training and season preparation go?”
Jacques : “It was great. This summer I decided to focus more on trail running and cycling. I took part in L’Étape du Tour, and I wanted to do the Trail des Gets as well, but unfortunately it was scheduled on the exact same day as the race. Apart from that, we had a lot of training camps — plenty of roller skiing, lots of cycling — but we stayed in France all summer. I spent a lot of time in Les Gets and in the Vallée d’Aulps training, because everything I need is right here.”
“Jacques, why is it important for you to remain an ambassador for Les Gets despite your change of nationality?”
“First of all, I’m really happy that Les Gets continues to support me — they’ve been a real help during this transition. I’m still a resident of the resort, I live here, I train here, it’s a village I love, and for me it’s an opportunity to showcase the resort on a bigger stage.”
About Jacques Jefferies
- Age : 22 ans
- Sport : Biathlon
- Home Club : Les Gets Ski Compétition
- Current team : British Biathlon
- Bests results : Junior World Champion (2022), Junior European Champion (2023), Winner of the French Cup (2022)
