Maurice Adrait / Photo/ Fédération Française de Ski
On Thursday, June 25, French skiing lost one of its most beloved figures as Maurice Adrait died at the age of 72.
A longtime coach and later the alpine press officer for the Fédération Française de Ski (FFS), Adrait helped shape generations of French ski racers.
“Momo,” as he was known, will be missed by many members of the ski community, most notably in France, where he will not be forgotten.
What Adrait will be remembered for
Throughout his career, athletes held Adrait in high regard. That was especially true in the later years of his career, when he worked as the alpine press officer for the Fédération Française de Ski until his retirement in 2016.
Adrait was well known for his deep passion, commitment and love for the sport. He was especially respected within the French ski community.
During his time with the Fédération Française de Ski, Adrait worked closely with many of France’s greatest ski racers. Those athletes included Carole Merle, Jean-Baptiste Grange, Thomas Fanara, Tessa Worley and Alexis Pinturault.
Coaching Carole Merle
Before moving into media relations, Adrait coached Carole Merle during her 13 years on tour. Merle earned 22 World Cup victories across giant slalom and Super-G.
Merle won three World Championship medals. They included giant slalom gold in Morioka in 1993 and Olympic Super-G silver on home snow at Albertville in 1992. She also captured four Super-G and two giant slalom World Cup titles during her extraordinary career.
What Pinturault said
Following news of Adrait’s death, Pinturault was one of many athletes to take to social media to share his condolences. On Instagram, Pinturault wrote, “Momo… without you on my journey, my career would have been very different. Romane (Pinturault’s wife) and I say thank you for everything once again. In March we watered my career together, today we cry for you. Illuminate our days from above as you know how to do so well.”
FFS statement
Meanwhile, the Fédération Française de Ski shared this statement on its website and social media, saying, “A man of the field, passionate about performance and close to the athletes, Maurice Adrait knew how to share his experience, his high standards and his great knowledge of high-level skiing. ‘Momo’ left his mark on all those who knew him.
“A colourful, deeply expressive, generous and passionate character, Maurice Adrait embodied a sincere attachment to the French teams, to the athletes and to the great ski family. His enthusiasm, his personality and his always committed gaze will leave a lasting memory.
“Beyond his duties, Maurice Adrait left his mark on the many people who crossed his path. Athletes, coaches, technicians, journalists, managers and collaborators will be remembered as a man of conviction, in love with the mountains, skiing and the French teams.”
A ski racing legacy
Ultimately, the federation’s tribute reflected Adrait’s impact on generations of French ski racers, coaches and colleagues. He devoted his career to the sport and left a lasting impression on many of France’s greatest athletes.
In that way, his influence extended well beyond race results. It touched the lives of the athletes, coaches and colleagues who worked alongside him.
Ski Racing Media extends its deepest condolences to Maurice Adrait’s family, friends, the Fédération Française de Ski and everyone whose lives and careers he touched.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
