Canadian skater Nicolai Sorensen, who is under investigation by Canada's Office of the Sports Integrity Commissioner over an alleged sexual assault in 2012, says he and ice dancing partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry will not compete at the national championships this weekend in Calgary.
They are the national ice dancing champions and are in ninth place at the 2022 Olympics.
“I am aware of the allegations against me,” Sorensen, 34, wrote Tuesday in an Instagram post. “These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend myself and my reputation.
“Lawrence and I have made the difficult decision not to compete at the National Championships in Calgary this week. While we do not wish to withdraw, we feel that our participation would be distracting.”
Fournier Beaudry noted in a separate Instagram post that the sexual assault allegations represent a “very difficult situation.”
“While I strongly believe that everyone should be protected and safe in sport, I know that my partner is a man of integrity, respect and kindness,” the 31-year-old from Montreal wrote.
In a statement sent to CBC Sports on Tuesday, Skate Canada said it “complies with any and all interim measures imposed by Abuse-Free Sport's Director of Sanctions and Scores (DSO)” in relation to this matter.
“It is also important to note that there is an ongoing investigative process that is subject to confidentiality requirements,” Karen Bedard, Skate Canada's director of communications, told CBC Sports.
Citing a report obtained by both OSIC and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Today reported this week that an American figure skating coach and former skater had filed a complaint about the alleged assault that occurred in Hartford, Connecticut.
This claim has not been tested in court.
CBC Sports has not independently confirmed this report.
Sorensen competed for his native Denmark until switching to Canada in 2018.
