France

French Investigation Exposes Sexual Abuse by Over 20 Skating Coaches

The probe was launched in February after 10-time French champion Sarah Abitbol said in a book she was raped by skating coach Gilles Beyer from 1990-92, when she was a teen

Former head of France’s skating federation, Didier Gailhaguet
FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

More than 20 coaches working with the French ice skating federation or its clubs have been identified following an investigation into accusations of sexual assault, harassment or violence, the French ministry of sports said on Tuesday.

The fact-finding probe was launched in February at the request of the sports ministry after 10-time French champion Sarah Abitbol said in a book she was raped by skating coach Gilles Beyer from 1990-92, when she was a teen. Her revelations led to the resignation of the long-serving head of France’s skating federation, Didier Gailhaguet, who denied protecting the coach.

Gailhaguet is also a member of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee's Board of Directors and is facing pressure to resign for the post. He told the 40 members of the board in a May email obtained by the Agency France-Presse that he will not resign, "and to those who would call for my resignation, I simply ask for a little decency."

In the wake of Abitbol's accusations, more skaters spoke out to denounce alleged sexual violence from coaches over a 30-year period.

After conducting hearings and analyzing athletes' testimonies on a dedicated platform set up by the ministry, the probe found out 12 coaches have been accused of harassment or sexual assault, including three who were sentenced to prison terms. In addition, seven cases of physical or verbal violence were reported, while two other cases related to trainers who died before the end of judicial proceedings.

“The volume of cases identified is indicative of practices and behaviours that have been replicated through generations of coaches," the ministry said. “It is unparalleled internationally."

The investigation also pointed out a “real alcohol problem" among some skating coaches.

Sports Connection

Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.

NBA world erupts after Anthony Edwards' poster on John Collins in Timberwolves-Jazz

First Four history, schedule, how to watch and more to know as March Madness begins

Paris prosecutors opened a criminal investigation after Abitbol accused Beyer. According to the sports ministry, one coach was placed in detention in February while five others were banned in April from coaching. All of the administrative investigations that had stopped because of the coronavirus lockdown in France have resumed.

The Associated Press does not normally name sexual assault victims but Abitbol accused Beyer in a book published last week and has also spoken about her personal experience on television.

The Associated Press/NBC
Contact Us