French Ski Team Scandal: A Generation sacrificed?
A dark cloud hangs over the French women’s alpine ski team, with allegations of moral harassment and abuse casting a shadow on what could have been a golden era. A group of skiers, born between 1992 and 1995, are now coming forward with stories of psychological suffering that derailed their careers.
Did you know? The French Alps are a popular training ground for many international ski teams, but the pressure to perform can be immense.
Alice (a pseudonym to protect her identity) recounts the moment her dreams shattered. On February 14,2017,when the doctor announced that I have the broken knee,I say to myself: “it’s over…”
Her voice breaks as she recalls years of alleged moral harassment that prevented her from reaching her full potential.
the “Commando Group”
Alice is not alone. She, along with marie Massios and Estelle Alphand, daughter of famed skier Luc Alphand, formed what they called The Commando group
to support each other through the alleged abuse. These skiers claim they were victims of unfair non-selection,ostracism,and repeated sexist and degrading remarks.
Pro Tip: Mental health is crucial for athletes. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help from a qualified professional.
The skiers allege that while others trained, they were frequently enough relegated to menial tasks, such as smoothing the tracks or unloading luggage. These experiences, they say, contributed to a toxic habitat that ultimately damaged their careers.
Under Séchaud’s Reign
The alleged harassment occurred during Anthony Séchaud’s tenure as director of the French women’s ski teams, from 2014 to 2018. In 2024, Alice participated in an intervention with clay feet
(une association qui lutte contre les violences dans le sport) and realized that what we experienced during all these years in the French team was not at all normal.
