Brendan Kerry: Aussie Olympic hero’s alleged child sex offence sees him hit with a lifetime ban from competition
- Skater took part in three Winter Games
- Was also an eight-time Australian champion
- Subject of research in the US
- Kerry has denied the allegations and has not faced criminal charges
Australian figure skater Brendan Kerry has been banned for life from competing in America because of his alleged sexual misconduct with a child.
The 29-year-old – who represented his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics – was hit by the US Center for SafeSport’s ban but can appeal the ruling, which has not yet been finalized and was made public on Wednesday made. .
The center’s website describes Kerry’s alleged offense as “sexual misconduct – involving a minor” and states that he is not allowed to communicate with anyone else involved in the case.
Brendan Kerry (pictured representing Australia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing) has been accused of having sex with a skater aged 16 or 17
He allegedly had sexual intercourse with a skater aged 16 or 17 several times in 2016 and 2017, according to a summary of the SafeSport investigation obtained by ESPN.
The summary accuses Kerry – who was 21 or 22 at the time – of also giving the minor alcohol.
He was also investigated over claims that he had non-consensual sex with a second, non-underage skater at a party in 2016, but the center ruled there was not enough evidence to prove the allegation, the publication said .
Kerry denies the allegations, the publication said, and he faces no criminal charges.
The 29-year-old (pictured at the 2018 Winter Games) reportedly denies all allegations against him and will not face criminal charges
Kerry (pictured at the 2022 Beijing Olympics) is also a seven-time Australian champion
Kerry’s ban means he cannot compete in events organized or sponsored by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, or any other American figure skating organization.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Kerry for comment.
Sydney-born Kerry was co-flag bearer for Australia at the 2022 Games in Beijing but is now believed to have withdrawn from the competition.
He took the men’s singles title at the Australian Championships in 2011, and then every year from 2013-2019.
According to his website, Kerry first competed internationally at the age of 13, becoming “the first Australian male to finish third in the Short Program” at two Junior Grand Prix events in 2013.
The site also states that he is “currently the highest-ranked Australian male skater in the world.”