Ghassan Achi
Encyclopedia
Ghassan Achi is an alpine skier from Lebanon
.
He competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics
. He raced in the Giant Slalom
and Slalom
. Ghassan was not ranked in both competitions (disqualified DSQ or did not finish DNF)
Ghassan currently attends the Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vermont
.
Accusations of fraud and bribery were publicly addressed by the Lebanese TV networks and national newspapers to members of the Lebanese Ski Federation following the last minute replacement of Jamil Mehanna, the Lebanese 2009 ski Champion, by Ghassan Achi, who at the time was totally unknown in Lebanon. Supporters of Jamil Mehanna argued that the Lebanese Federation had illegally named a person who never lived or skied in Lebanon and did not qualify by participating in the national championships.
On the other hand, supporters of Ghasan Achi pleaded that selecting Achi, a 16 years old and very promising skier, was a better bet for Lebanon.
The controversy was later amplified by press and television reports on the composition and behavior of the Lebanese delegation in Vancouver, composed of three athletes and seven delegates with no coaches to support the athletes. Parents of the athletes, including Lebanese international ski champion Sherine Njeim complained in nationally broadcasted programs about the fact that the athletes were left on they own by the delegation member and asked for the resignation of the Ski Federation.
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
.
He competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
. He raced in the Giant Slalom
Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's giant slalom
The men's giant slalom competition of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was held at Whistler Creekside in Whistler, British Columbia. Originally scheduled for February 21st, it was rescheduled to February 23rd, due to delays of preceding alpine events....
and Slalom
Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's slalom
The men's slalom competition of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was held at Whistler Creekside in Whistler, British Columbia, on February 27, 2010....
. Ghassan was not ranked in both competitions (disqualified DSQ or did not finish DNF)
Ghassan currently attends the Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vermont
Waitsfield, Vermont
Waitsfield is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,659 at the 2000 census. It was created by Vermont charter on February 25, 1782...
.
The Gassan Achi / Jamil Mehanna Controversy
Following the election of a new Olympic Committee in Lebanon, a controversy emerged in the country about the conditions under which Ghasssan Achi was selected to represent Lebanon in the 2010 winter olympic games in Vancouver.Accusations of fraud and bribery were publicly addressed by the Lebanese TV networks and national newspapers to members of the Lebanese Ski Federation following the last minute replacement of Jamil Mehanna, the Lebanese 2009 ski Champion, by Ghassan Achi, who at the time was totally unknown in Lebanon. Supporters of Jamil Mehanna argued that the Lebanese Federation had illegally named a person who never lived or skied in Lebanon and did not qualify by participating in the national championships.
On the other hand, supporters of Ghasan Achi pleaded that selecting Achi, a 16 years old and very promising skier, was a better bet for Lebanon.
The controversy was later amplified by press and television reports on the composition and behavior of the Lebanese delegation in Vancouver, composed of three athletes and seven delegates with no coaches to support the athletes. Parents of the athletes, including Lebanese international ski champion Sherine Njeim complained in nationally broadcasted programs about the fact that the athletes were left on they own by the delegation member and asked for the resignation of the Ski Federation.