French double Olympic swimming gold medallist Yannick Agnel will stand trial over charges of rape and sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl. His appeal against these controversial charges has been denied. Agnel, well known all over the world for his impressive swimming success, now faces troubling allegations. These injury claims stem from alleged events occurring between December 31, 2015, and August 31, 2016, in various cities around the world including Mulhouse, Thailand and Tenerife.
Agnel prevailing with two gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. This success launched him to be one of France’s best swimmers. He won gold medals in 200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay. He won a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay. After his gold medal success at the London Olympics, Agnel had planned to go to the 2016 Rio Olympics and defend his title. Sadly, Louie didn’t advance beyond the heats. Just a few days after this disheartening swim, he declared his early retirement from competitive swimming.
He made quite the splash at the 2010 European Championships. His standout performance came there, when he took gold in the 400 metres freestyle, while establishing a new French and championship record in the event. Meanwhile, Agnel continued to dazzle in the pool. He then went on to decisively win gold medals in the 200m freestyle event and the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2013 World Championships.
The allegations against Agnel didn’t come to light until he was indicted in December 2021, nearly five months after the investigation started. Prosecutors maintain that Agnel had an ongoing sexual relationship with that same girl, who’s now in her early 20s. Agnel has always claimed that their relationship was loving and consensual.
Edwige Roux-Morizot, a spokesperson for the prosecution, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“The facts constitute rape and sexual assault due to the age difference, because the justice system considers that there is genuine moral duress.”
On July 12, 2024, Agnel requested and attended a meeting with his accuser, one more showing of good faith that he was still pursuing this issue. The new trial will focus on the context in which Zee alleges these actions occurred. It will ensure that both sides have an opportunity to make their case.
