Even if he is currently in Anterselva, in Italy, for the Biathlon Worlds where the French won two medals on Saturday, Michel Vion followed closely the revelations of Claudine Emonet on the attacks of which she was the victim by her coach there is 40 years old. “I am all the more attentive, says the president of the French ski federation (FFS), that“ Coco ”is my generation. I skied at the same time as her. "
"I didn't know anything," says the 1982 world champion in the combined. I discovered (the facts) by reading the testimony. I have imagined the weight of secrecy for all these years. "
Above all, Michel Vion therefore wants to think first of "the victims". "We plan to call them tomorrow (Sunday)," he said, referring to Claudine Emonet but also Catherine Gonseth. "The facts, unacceptable, took place over 40 years ago," continues the president of the FFS. But do not hide behind the prescription. It is important that speech becomes free. Because it allows business to go out. According to Vion, the Federation will do everything possible to help the victims, to accompany them. The prescription makes the actions against the alleged aggressor, long trainer of the Federation now retired, more complicated.
"If more recent cases come out, we will face", continues Michel Vion, who notes that many sports "are unfortunately affected" by the problems of sexual assault. “We did not wait to put things in place, insists the former skier. For the past year, for example, we have had all educators sign certificates. "
What is happening in skiing, as in other sports since the testimony of skaters and especially Sarah Abitbol, will undoubtedly oblige the Federations to take other measures.