Canadian figure skater Sorensen denied rape allegations, but withdrew from Canadian Championships

Canadian figure skater Nikolai Sorensen against whom rape accusations were made, called them false.

Media previously reported that Sorensen was accused of sexually assaulting an unnamed former figure skater and now coach of the United States in 2012. The woman, who was 22 at the time, described the rape in detail, saying she feared for her life.

Sorensen, who competes in ice dancing with Laurence Fournier-Baudry, announced he would not participate in the Canadian Championships.

“I believe every person should feel safe on and off the ice. A positive and supportive atmosphere in sport is vital for all of us. I am aware of the accusations against me. They are false and I intend to vigorously defend myself and my reputation.

Laurence and I made the difficult decision not to participate in the Canadian Championships. Although we do not want to withdraw from competition, we believe that our participation would harm the spirit of sportsmanship, which should remain our focus,” Sorensen wrote on social media.

“While I believe everyone should be safe in sport, I know my partner is a kind and honest person,” Fournier-Baudry said.

Sorensen is 34 years old, at the beginning of his career he played for Denmark and since the 2018/19 season he started to represent Canada. Paired with Baudry, he finished ninth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and fifth at last year’s world championships.

The Canadian Championships will take place in Calgary this week.