French Ski Federation Suspends Joël Chenal Amid Allegations of Sexual Harassment of Minors
PARIS (AP) — The French skiing federation has provisionally suspended Olympic silver medalist and former national coach Joël Chenal following allegations that he harassed underage female ski racers between 2005 and 2021.
The suspension came Wednesday after Le Monde published a report featuring testimony from 12 women. Seven of them formally accused Chenal of harassment or attempted sexual assault during their time as minors in the sport.
Inappropriate Messages and Invitations Detailed
According to Le Monde, several women said Chenal initiated contact through social media, then escalated communication to inappropriate messages. Some recalled being invited to his home to pose for photos in revealing outfits.
Chenal, 51, won a silver medal in giant slalom at the 2006 Turin Olympics. After retiring, he coached the private team Orsatus and later joined the French national coaching staff from 2013 to 2017. He returned to Orsatus in 2020 and launched his own team in 2022.
Chenal admitted to sending sexual messages but denied any physical misconduct. “I never visited these young girls or even remotely considered visiting them or making the slightest inappropriate gesture or action toward them,” he told Le Monde.
Early Internal Warnings Resurface
Ledauphine.com reported that concerns about Chenal’s conduct first circulated in the early 2000s. Internal investigations in 2009 and 2015 ended with only a formal warning. Despite that, the federation kept Chenal on staff through 2017.
As reported by skinews.ch, Chenal said he created his private team “to prove that I had learned from my mistakes,” specifically by working with young women.
Athletes React With Shock and Support
The accusations have prompted strong reactions within the French ski racing community.
One former national team athlete who spoke to Le Monde anonymously expressed support for the victims. “We were always told to stay professional, but there was a culture of silence. I admire those who finally spoke up.”
A current racer who trained under Chenal told skinews.ch, “He was demanding, but I never saw anything like this. Still, if others experienced harm, they deserve to be heard.”
Another teammate added, “This doesn’t align with what I saw, but I understand now that silence doesn’t mean nothing happened.”
Federation Opens Disciplinary Proceedings
The French skiing federation confirmed that its ethics and professional conduct committee will begin formal proceedings Monday. Chenal remains provisionally suspended, and the federation said it intends to join the legal case.
“This demonstrates its commitment to supporting victims, cooperating fully with the judicial authorities and shedding light on these unacceptable events,” the federation stated.
Saguez Pledges Accountability
Federation president Fabien Saguez addressed the case during the organization’s recent general assembly.
“My thoughts are with the victims. We will do everything possible to support them,” Saguez said.
The investigation remains active
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