A French court has ordered Yannick Agnel, a decorated swimmer best known for winning two gold medals at the 2012 Olympic Games, to face trial over allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted the teenage daughter of his former coach.
Judicial officials in northeastern France confirmed to People that Agnel, 33, was formally indicted and will be tried on charges connected to incidents that allegedly occurred in 2016, when the girl was 13 years old.
The decision followed a failed appeal by Agnel’s legal team, which sought to block the case from proceeding. France’s appeals court denied that request.
Prosecutors allege the abuse occurred over an extended period, between late 2015 and the summer of 2016, and in multiple countries. Investigators have cited France, Spain, and Thailand as locations tied to the alleged acts. Authorities said the cross-border nature of the case added complexity but did not prevent French courts from asserting jurisdiction.
The allegations first came to light several years later. In December 2021, Agnel was arrested after the victim filed a formal complaint describing the alleged encounters. At the time of his arrest, Agnel reportedly acknowledged that sexual activity took place but disputed claims that it involved force or coercion.
The case is being prosecuted under France’s updated sexual violence laws. In 2021, the country redefined sex with a child under 15 as rape, regardless of consent. Convictions under the statute can carry prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Agnel retired from professional swimming in 2016, shortly after the alleged incidents occurred. He remains one of France’s most recognizable swimmers, having won gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle and the 4x100-meter freestyle relay at the 2012 London Olympics.
While he qualified to compete at the 2016 Rio Games, he failed to advance beyond the heats and announced his retirement soon afterward.
Agnel requested a meeting with the accuser in July 2024. The woman, now in her early 20s, reportedly attended the meeting, though details surrounding the discussion have not been publicly disclosed.
Agnel has a limited window to file a final appeal with France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation. If that appeal is denied or not pursued, the trial will proceed as scheduled.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available. In the United States, confidential support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at RAINN.org.