(Reuters) – Canadian figure skater Nikolaj Soerensen has announced that he and his ice dance partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry will not be participating in the national championships this week. This announcement comes as Soerensen is currently under investigation for alleged sexual assault.
Last week, USA Today reported that Canada’s Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) is looking into allegations of sexual assault against Soerensen by an American figure skating coach and former skater in 2012.
In response to the allegations, Soerensen took to Instagram to declare his innocence, stating that “These allegations are false, and I intend to strongly defend myself and my reputation.”
He also explained their decision not to compete in the upcoming National Championships, saying “While we do not wish to withdraw, we feel that our participation would be distracting, and that sportsmanship must continue to be the focus of the event.”
Soerensen also expressed his commitment to cooperating with the OSIC investigation, although he noted that due to OSIC’s Confidentiality Policy, he is unable to provide further comment.
Last year’s ice dance gold medalists, Soerensen and Fournier Beaudry, placed ninth at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Commenting on the situation, Fournier Beaudry called it “very challenging” and voiced her support for her partner, stating “While I strongly believe that everyone must be protected and safe in sport, I know that my partner is a man of integrity, respect, and kindness.”
Skate Canada, in response to the USA Today article, emphasized their commitment to addressing allegations of harassment, bullying, and abuse, stating “We take harassment, bullying, and abuse issues extremely seriously, and we have a comprehensive process to address allegations of such behaviour.”
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
