Figure skating-Canadian duo withdraw from nationals amid Soerensen allegations

Canadian figure skater Nikolaj Soerensen, who is under investigation for alleged sexual assault, said he and ice dance partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry will not compete at this week's national championships.

USA Today reported last week that Canada's Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) was investigating Soerensen over an alleged sexual assault of an American figure skating coach and former skater in 2012.

"These allegations are false, and I intend to strongly defend myself and my reputation," Soerensen wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

"Laurence and I have made the difficult decision not to compete in the National Championships in Calgary this week. While we do not wish to withdraw, we feel that our participation would be distracting, and that sportsmanship must continue to be the focus of the event.

"I will continue to fully cooperate with OSIC's investigation. Given OSIC's Confidentiality Policy, I am unable to comment further."

Soerensen and Fournier Beaudry, who won ice dance gold at last year's championships, placed ninth at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Fournier Beaudry said it was a "very challenging situation".

"While I strongly believe that everyone must be protected and safe in sport, I know that my partner is a man of integrity, respect and kindness," she posted on her Instagram page.

Addressing the USA Today article in a statement last week, Skate Canada: "We take harassment, bullying, and abuse issues extremely seriously, and we have a comprehensive process to address allegations of such behaviour."