On June 11th, Stephanie Hochet became the first female president of the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF) to resign from her post. Hochet had been in the role for just over a year, having been elected in April 2019.
The resignation came after a series of scandals and controversies that had plagued the CNOSF during her tenure. The most notable of these was the scandal surrounding the alleged misuse of funds by Hochet’s predecessor, Denis Masseglia. Masseglia was accused of using CNOSF funds for personal gain, and this scandal ultimately led to Hochet’s resignation.
Hochet was a highly respected figure in the French sporting community, having served as a board member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2013. She was also a former athlete, having competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In her resignation statement, Hochet said that she had “taken the decision to resign in order to protect the image of the CNOSF and the Olympic movement”. She added that she had “always acted with integrity and transparency” and that she was “proud of the work” she had done during her time as president.
The CNOSF has yet to announce who will replace Hochet as president. However, it is expected that the new president will be someone who is committed to restoring trust and transparency to the organization.
Hochet’s resignation is a significant moment for women in sport. She was the first female president of the CNOSF, and her departure highlights the need for greater gender equality in sport leadership roles. Her resignation also serves as a reminder that women in sport must continue to fight for their rights and for greater representation in leadership positions.
Stephanie Hochet’s resignation from the CNOSF is a reminder that women in sport still face many challenges. However, it also serves as a reminder that women can and do make a difference when they are given the opportunity to lead.
