Olympic Skier Jacky Chamoun Apologizes For Nude Photos

Jacky Chamoun’s dream came true when she qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Lebanese alpine skier was prepared for some tough competition. Unfortunately, her inclusion in the Olympics is being overshadowed by nude photos that are circulating online.

Chamoun said the pictures were likely taken three years ago during a photo shoot for an Austrian ski calendar titled “Ski Instructors.” Although the calendar was admittedly risqué, Chamoun was not nude in the photos. As reported by Sochi2014.com, the calendar led to some negative publicity. However, at the time, the skier said she had no regrets:

“It was positive for me… you think maybe it’s not the best thing, not the best image you can give someone of you. But, I don’t really care. I really enjoyed it and I don’t regret it. I like these photos. I have no problem with it.”

The Olympic skier said she never saw the nude photos before they appeared online. She said she was stunned that the photos were circulating, as they were not part of the actual photo shoot. Chamoun believes they were taken without her knowledge as she prepared for the shoot:

“… I did photos for an Austrian ski calendar with other professional athletes three years ago… The video and photos that you are now seeing are part of the making off, the preparation, it wasn’t supposed to go public.”

The Independent reports the photos have led to stark criticism and an investigation by Lebanon’s Sports and Youth Minister. Jacky Chamoun said “Lebanon is a conservative country” and she can understand the criticism. Although she denies posing for the nude photos, Chamoun offered a sincere apology for the continued controversy:

“I want to apologise [sic] to all of you… this is not the image that reflects our culture. I fully understand if you want to criticise [sic] this.”

Jacky Chamoun has been skiing since the age of three. As her father was an avid skier, she had an opportunity to practice on some of Lebanon’s most famous slopes. Chamoun said she and her father spent nearly every weekend in Faraya during the winter.

As she enjoyed skiing, and displayed an obvious talent, she worked hard to continuously improve her skills. In 2010, she competed in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2013 she competed in the World Championships, which led to her qualification for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Although Jacky Chamoun plead for the photos to be taken down, they have gone viral. The entire gallery and uncensored video can be viewed HERE.

[Images via Facebook]