Canadian determine skater Nikolaj Soerensen, beneath investigation by Canada’s Workplace of the Sport Integrity Commissioner for an alleged sexual assault in 2012, says he and ice dance companion Laurence Fournier Beaudry won’t compete on the nationwide championships this weekend in Calgary.
They’re the reigning nationwide ice dance champions and positioned ninth within the 2022 Olympic Video games.
“I’m conscious of the allegations made in opposition to me,” the 34-year-old Soerensen wrote Tuesday in an Instagram put up. “These allegations are false, and I intend to strongly defend myself and my fame.
“Laurence and I’ve made the tough resolution to not compete within the Nationwide Championships in Calgary this week. Whereas we don’t want to withdraw, we really feel that our participation could be distracting.”
Fournier Beaudry famous in a separate Instagram put up the sexual assault allegations current a “very difficult state of affairs.”
“Whereas I strongly consider that everybody have to be protected and protected in sport,” the 31-year-old from Montreal wrote, “I know that my companion is a person of integrity, respect and kindness.”
In a press release despatched to CBC Sports activities on Tuesday, Skate Canada stated it’s “complying with any and all provisional measures which were imposed by Abuse-Free Sport’s director of sanctions and outcomes (DSO)” relating to the matter.
“It is usually necessary to notice that there’s an ongoing investigation course of which is topic to confidentiality necessities,” Skate Canada director of communications Karine Bedard instructed CBC Sports activities.
Citing a obtained report made to each OSIC and the U.S. Centre for SafeSport, USA At the moment reported this week an American determine skating coach and former skater made the criticism in regards to the alleged assault that occurred in Hartford, Conn.
The allegation has not been examined in court docket.
CBC Sports activities has not independently confirmed the report.
Soerensen competed for his dwelling nation of Denmark till switching to Canada in 2018.