Serious accusations against former coach: “It was hell”

Estelle Alphand, the daughter of former ski star Luc Alphand, has been racing for Sweden since 2017. During her youth and early days in the Ski World Cup, the now 30-year-old competed for France. Now, Alphand has revealed the reasons for the change of nationality – and made strong accusations against her former coach.

25 May 2025

From: sn

Estelle Alphand accuses her former coach, Anthony Sechaud, of "moral harassment" and "harassment of young female skiers." Sechaud was the French women's head coach from 2014 to 2018 and is now facing serious allegations. "It was a terrible time," Alphand told the newspaper The world.

Specifically, Alphand speaks of sexist remarks, insults, and harassment. She was allegedly not called up for races on several occasions, even though she was setting her best times in training. As soon as the athletes were no longer in Sechaud's favor, they were forced to do chores during training, such as sliding or taking care of equipment. Alphand finally made the decision: "Either I quit, or I'll go somewhere else."

Estelle Alphand is the daughter of former overall World Cup winner Luc Alphand. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

Ultimately, the skier switched to the Swedish team. Sweden is her mother's home country, which is why Alphand was welcomed there with open arms. The ski technician still competes for Sweden in the Ski World Cup, currently under South Tyrolean head coach Manuel Gamper.

Other athletes make allegations

Alphand isn't the only athlete to make accusations against Sechaud. Marie Massios ended her career in 2018 at the age of 25 because she felt "she was going crazy" under her head coach. Junior World Champion Jennifer Piot (who won the downhill in 2017) speaks of "hell." Sechaud greeted her at their first meeting with the words, "I don't want you here."

Schlagwörter: Winter sports Alpine skiing Estelle Alphand frankreich