French Ski Federation Suspends Joël Chenal Amid Allegations of Sexual Harassment of Minors
PARIS (AP) — The French snowboarding federation has provisionally suspended Olympic silver medalist and former nationwide coach Joël Chenal following allegations that he harassed underage feminine ski racers between 2005 and 2021.
The suspension got here Wednesday after Le Monde revealed a report that includes testimony from 12 ladies. Seven of them formally accused Chenal of harassment or tried sexual assault throughout their time as minors within the sport.
Inappropriate Messages and Invites Detailed
In keeping with Le Monde, a number of ladies stated Chenal initiated contact by way of social media, then escalated communication to inappropriate messages. Some recalled being invited to his house to pose for photographs in revealing outfits.
Chenal, 51, gained a silver medal in large slalom on the 2006 Turin Olympics. After retiring, he coached the personal workforce Orsatus and later joined the French nationwide teaching workers from 2013 to 2017. He returned to Orsatus in 2020 and launched his personal workforce in 2022.
Chenal admitted to sending sexual messages however denied any bodily misconduct. “I by no means visited these younger women and even remotely thought of visiting them or making the slightest inappropriate gesture or motion towards them,” he advised Le Monde.
Early Inner Warnings Resurface
Ledauphine.com reported that issues about Chenal’s conduct first circulated within the early 2000s. Inner investigations in 2009 and 2015 ended with solely a proper warning. Regardless of that, the federation saved Chenal on workers by way of 2017.
As reported by skinews.ch, Chenal stated he created his personal workforce “to show that I had realized from my errors,” particularly by working with younger ladies.
Athletes React With Shock and Help
The accusations have prompted sturdy reactions inside the French ski racing neighborhood.
One former nationwide workforce athlete who spoke to Le Monde anonymously expressed assist for the victims. “We had been all the time advised to remain skilled, however there was a tradition of silence. I like those that lastly spoke up.”
A present racer who educated beneath Chenal advised skinews.ch, “He was demanding, however I by no means noticed something like this. Nonetheless, if others skilled hurt, they need to be heard.”
One other teammate added, “This doesn’t align with what I noticed, however I perceive now that silence doesn’t imply nothing occurred.”
Federation Opens Disciplinary Proceedings
The French snowboarding federation confirmed that its ethics {and professional} conduct committee will start formal proceedings Monday. Chenal stays provisionally suspended, and the federation stated it intends to affix the authorized case.
“This demonstrates its dedication to supporting victims, cooperating totally with the judicial authorities and shedding gentle on these unacceptable occasions,” the federation acknowledged.
Saguez Pledges Accountability
Federation president Fabien Saguez addressed the case throughout the group’s current normal meeting.
“My ideas are with the victims. We’ll do all the things doable to assist them,” Saguez stated.
The investigation stays energetic
