Australian Winter Olympics Flagbearer Banned from US Competition

Brendan Kerry, a prominent Australian figure skater and triple Olympian, has been banned from competing in the United States following an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The ban, issued by the US Center for SafeSport, marks a significant development in Kerry’s career and has sparked conversations about athlete safety and welfare in the sports community.

Kerry, who represented Australia as a flagbearer at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, received a permanent ban from SafeSport, with ESPN reporting the possibility of an appeal. Notably, the ban applies exclusively within the jurisdiction of the United States, where SafeSport holds authority over Olympic and Paralympic activities.

The allegation against Kerry dates back to the 2016-17 season when he was registered as a coach with US Figure Skating. The Australian Olympic Committee and Ice Skating Australia (ISA) were reportedly unaware of the SafeSport investigation until the sanction was publicly disclosed.

In response to the development, ISA released a statement emphasizing its commitment to athlete safety and well-being. The organization expressed seriousness regarding the matter and pledged to gather and assess all available information related to SafeSport’s determination.

Kerry’s career in figure skating boasts notable achievements, including eight Australian national titles and three appearances at the Winter Olympics in 2014, 2018, and 2022. His retirement from competitive skating followed the Beijing Games, where he achieved his best Olympic performance, finishing 17th.

The revelation of Kerry’s ban underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of misconduct and safeguard athletes within sports organizations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete welfare and implementing robust measures to prevent and address instances of misconduct.

For those affected by similar issues, support is available through organizations such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), which offer assistance for individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence.

In case of emergency, dial 000 for immediate assistance.

Source: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australian-olympic-figure-skater-brendan-kerry-banned-by-us-for-sexual-misconduct/w02x46mdo