2024-01-10 09:00:00
The reigning Canadian ice dance champions, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen, are skipping the National Championships taking place this week in Calgary due to the turmoil surrounding the skater. Allegations that Sorensen denies.
The American daily USA Today said last week that a former American skater, now a coach, filed a complaint against Sorensen for sexual assault with the Office of the Sports Integrity Commissioner (BCIS).
The alleged events took place in the United States in 2012. Radio-Canada was unable to verify this assertion.
On social media, Nikolaj Sorensen as well as his wife and partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry, confirmed Tuesday in separate publications that they would not participate in the Canadian Championships.
Although this was a very difficult decision to make, we do not want our participation to distract from the dedication of so many Canadian athletes, the skater wrote.
[..] we did not want to withdraw, we believe that our participation could be disruptive, and that sportsmanship must continue to be at the heart of the event, added the 34-year-old skater.
I am aware of the allegations made against me. These allegations are false and I intend to strongly defend myself and my reputation.
I will continue to cooperate fully with the BCIS investigation, adds the skater.
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As you can imagine, this is a very difficult situation, emphasizes the ice dancer. Although I firmly believe that everyone must be protected and safe in sport, I know that my partner is a man of integrity, respectful and caring.
The skaters add that they cannot make any further comment, given the BCIS confidentiality policy. Laurence Fournier Beaudry hopes there will be a fair and compassionate resolution for everyone involved.
Asked to comment on the situation last Thursday, Skate Canada said we are aware of the article in USA Today which has just been published, but as this is an active file within the BCIS, we cannot comment and our athletes will not comment either.
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