At a Glance
- Yannick Agnel, 33, faces trial for allegedly raping his former coach’s 13-year-old daughter in 2016
- The two-time 2012 London gold medalist was indicted Jan. 15 after appeals court rejected his challenge
- 10-day window remains for final appeal to France’s Court of Cassation
- Why it matters: High-profile case tests France’s 2021 law toughening consent protections for minors
French Olympic swimming star Yannick Agnel has been indicted for the alleged 2016 rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, the daughter of his former coach, and ordered to stand trial, according to multiple reports confirmed by News Of Los Angeles.
The Charges and Timeline
Prosecutors say the incidents occurred between Dec. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2016, across three countries:
- France
- Thailand
- Spain
The swimmer, then 23, was first arrested in December 2021 after the victim filed a complaint. During initial questioning Agnel admitted sexual contact but insisted it was consensual, outlets reported.
France’s age of consent is 15. A 2021 statute now classifies any sex with a child under that age as rape, carrying up to 20 years in prison.
Legal Path to Trial
Agnel’s attorneys appealed the indictment in May 2025, arguing procedural flaws. The appeals court in Colmar, northeastern France, denied the motion and upheld the lower-court order for trial.
The prosecutor general’s office announced the indictment on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, noting Agnel was an adult at the time of the alleged acts.
He has 10 days to lodge a final appeal with the Court of Cassation, France’s highest judicial authority.
Victim Meeting and Current Status
In July 2024 Agnel requested and attended a face-to-face meeting with the victim, now in her early 20s, French newspaper Le Monde reported. Details of that encounter remain confidential.
The trial date has not been set. If convicted, Agnel faces a potential 20-year sentence under the revised penal code.
Athletic Career
Agnel vaulted to fame at the 2012 London Olympics, capturing:
- Gold – 200 m freestyle
- Gold – 4×100 m freestyle relay
He competed at the 2016 Rio Games but failed to advance beyond the heats. Weeks later he announced his retirement from competitive swimming at age 24.
Support Resources
French authorities remind the public that anyone affected by sexual violence may contact:
- Local police (dial 17)
- National helpline 119 for child protection
- Victim support associations
In the U.S., the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via rainn.org.
