Skiing Community Reckons with Culture of Silence Following Abuse Allegations
PARIS - Explosive revelations surrounding former French ski champion Joël Chenal have ignited a fierce debate within the French skiing community, exposing a deeply ingrained culture of protection and complicity. Former Olympic skier Adrien duvillard, speaking to L’Équipe, described the environment as a “republic of friends” where reciprocal favors and a reluctance to disrupt the status quo allegedly allowed abuse to persist.
DuvillardS comments come after allegations surfaced regarding chenal’s inappropriate behavior, including requests for explicit photos from young athletes.While Chenal has not been formally charged, the case has prompted widespread soul-searching and accusations that officials prioritized protecting a celebrated athlete over safeguarding vulnerable individuals. duvillard asserts that key figures within the French Ski Federation (FFS) and the International Ski Federation (FIS) were aware of the issues but chose inaction, fearing negative publicity. “they say there was no evidence. They had to know, it’s not possible otherwise,” Duvillard stated. He specifically named current FFS president Fabien Saguez and FIS secretary general Michel Vion – formerly the FFS president – as holding positions of power to intervene.
The core of the problem,according to duvillard,lies in a system where personal connections trump accountability. “We live in a republic of friends. I protect you, you protect me. Everyone knows each other,” he explained. This dynamic, he argues, fostered an environment where concerns were dismissed and victims were silenced. Duvillard emphasizes that Chenal should not be solely blamed, suggesting a broader pattern of abuse exists within the sport.
In response to the crisis, Duvillard has launched the association Free Track, offering a confidential support network for victims of harassment, abuse, and mistreatment in board sports. Backed by fellow former champions including Franck Piccard, Marion Rolland, and Jean-Luc Cretier, Free Track provides access to psychologists, legal counsel, and volunteer lawyers. The association’s message is clear: “As a board sports practitioner, do you feel harassed, abused, mistreated or discriminated against? We are listening to you. We will help you, seriously, respectfully and kindly.”
Free Track aims to fundamentally shift the culture within skiing, advocating for a system where athlete safety and well-being are prioritized over performance and reputation. “It is time to build a sport where performance no longer justifies silence,” the association states, emphasizing the obligation of coaches as educators and role models.