Colmar, France – January 15, 2026 – French swimming legend and double Olympic gold medallist Yannick Agnel is set to face trial on charges of rape and sexual assault of a minor, after a French appeals court rejected his lawyers’ request to halt proceedings. The court in Colmar, northeastern France, dismissed Agnel’s appeal on Thursday, confirming that the case will move forward.

“The appeal has been rejected, and the trial will proceed,” a court spokesperson said, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against the 33-year-old former athlete.

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Background of the Allegations

Agnel, who won two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics in the 200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay, is accused of engaging in a relationship with a 13-year-old girl in 2016. The case alleges that the swimmer exploited the significant age difference, constituting rape and sexual assault under French law.

According to prosecutors:

• The alleged events occurred between December 31, 2015, and August 31, 2016.
• Locations involved include Mulhouse in France, Thailand, and Tenerife.
• Agnel’s actions are considered to involve moral duress due to the age gap, as described by public prosecutor Edwige Roux-Morizot.

Agnel has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the relationship was consensual and loving, and that he never exercised control over the teenager.

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Legal Timeline

• December 2021: Agnel was formally indicted for sexual assault and rape.
• July 2024: Agnel, who retired from competitive swimming in 2016, requested a meeting with his accuser, now in her early 20s, to discuss the allegations.
• January 2026: French appeals court rejects his request to suspend the trial.

The ruling clears the path for the trial to proceed in accordance with French judicial procedures, underscoring the country’s strict legal stance on sexual crimes against minors.

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Yannick Agnel’s Swimming Career

Agnel first gained international attention at the 2010 European Championships, winning gold in the 400m freestyle while setting new French and championship records.

At the 2012 London Olympics, he achieved global fame by:

• Winning gold in the 200m freestyle
• Securing gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay
• Earning silver in the 4x200m freestyle relay

He continued his success at the 2013 World Championships, capturing gold in both the 200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay.

Agnel qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics to defend his 200m freestyle title but failed to progress past the heats and announced his retirement from professional swimming shortly thereafter.

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Public and Media Attention

The case has drawn significant attention in France and internationally, given Agnel’s high-profile sports career. Media coverage has emphasized both the serious nature of the allegations and Agnel’s status as a former world-class athlete.

Legal analysts note that the case highlights France’s strict laws on sexual relations with minors, where consent is legally invalid under a certain age threshold, and public figures are not exempt from prosecution.

“This is a sensitive case due to the athlete’s fame, but the court has reaffirmed that allegations involving minors must be taken seriously and adjudicated without delay,” a legal expert commented.