An Australian Winter Olympics flagbearer has been banned from competing in the United States for sexual misconduct involving a minor.
Brendan Kerry, a triple Olympian figure skater who was Australia’s joint flagbearer at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022, has been permanently banned by the US Center for SafeSport.
Kerry’s ban, which sport broadcaster ESPN said could be subject to appeal, only applies in the US, where SafeSport has jurisdiction.
The sanctions ban Kerry from any event or activity controlled by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Kerry was a registered coach with US Figure Skating in the 2016-17 season when the misconduct was alleged to have occurred.
Brendan Kerry of Australia reacts after his performance in the Men’s Free Skating of the Figure Skating events at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, February 2022. Source: AAP / How Hwee Young
The Australian Olympic Committee and Ice Skating Australia (ISA) were both unaware of the SafeSport investigation until the sanction was released on Wednesday, Australian time.
“ISA is deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of all athletes and considers this matter to be of the utmost seriousness,” an ISA statement said.
“We are in the process of gathering and considering all information available in relation to the determination by the US Center for SafeSport.”
Kerry won eight Australian figure skating titles, including seven in a row, and competed at the Winter Olympics in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The now 29-year-old retired after the Beijing Games two years ago when he recorded his best Olympic finish, 17th. He placed 29th in 2014 and 20th in 2018.
If this story has raised any issues for you, help is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know wants to talk about sexual assault or harassment, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
