As of: March 13, 2024, 5:24 a.m
By: Christian Nemeth
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Surprising World Cup break for French biathlon star Sophie Chauveau.
The US authorities refused entry.
Soldier Hollow - Setback for the French biathlon women before the World Cup appearance in Soldier Holow in the US state of Utah (March 8th to 10th).
World champion Sophie Chauveau was denied entry into the United States, as the 24-year-old described on her Instagram account.
Accordingly, there were problems with the ESTA entry form - and probably with a previous vacation in Cuba.
Sophie Chauveau |
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|---|---|
Born: |
June 12, 1999 in Chêne-Bougeries |
Sport: |
biathlon |
Achievements (selection): |
2 x World Cup victories (relay), 1 x World Cup victory (mixed relay) |
Cuba vacation to blame?
No entry into the US for biathlon star Sophie Chauveau
In an Instagram post, the Frenchwoman noted: “No American stopover in Soldier Hollow for me.
I was not allowed into the country (ESTA not approved) but I will be back in Canmore for the final leg.”
The reason for Chaveau's entry mishap is likely to be a vacation to Cuba that took place about two years ago.
Travelers who have visited the Caribbean island nation since January 12, 2021 are no longer eligible to enter the USA on visa-free travel with ESTA and instead require a regular visa.
Cuba is one of the countries that the US authorities consider to be supporting terrorist activities.
Chauveau would like to attack again at the biathlon season finale
After all: in mid-March, i.e. for the season finale in Canmore, Canada, Sophie Chauveau, who is ranked 17th in the overall World Cup, would like to be back at the start and finish the round on a positive note.
Just in February she won the World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, with the French women's relay team.
The winter sports athlete received compassionate words from her Instagram followers after she was denied entry into the US.
One user writes: “What a shame!
A bit of well-deserved rest before the next step." Another user is a little surprised: "I'm surprised that a top athlete like you is caught up in this kind of administrative formality.
We can’t wait to see you again, Sophie!”
(chnnn)