The Colmar Court of Appeals has dismissed Agnel’s challenge, clearing the way for a criminal trial over allegations involving a 13-year-old girl.
PARIS/COLMAR (January 15, 2026) – Former French Olympic swimmer Yannick Agnel has lost his final bid to avoid a criminal trial. The investigative chamber of the Colmar Court of Appeals announced today that Agnel’s appeal has been rejected, ordering him to stand trial before the Assize Court of Haut-Rhin.
Agnel, 33, is charged with the rape and sexual assault of a minor. The allegations stem from a relationship in 2016 with the daughter of his then-coach, Lionel Horter. At the time of the alleged offenses, the victim was 13 years old, while Agnel was 24.
While Agnel has consistently admitted to the relationship, he has denied any form of coercion, maintaining that the interaction was consensual and affectionate. However, prosecutors successfully argued that the significant age gap and his position of influence constituted “moral duress,” invalidating consent under French law.
“The court has confirmed that the charges of rape and sexual assault are sufficiently substantiated to proceed to a public trial,” a judicial source stated. Agnel’s legal team has 10 days to lodge a final appeal on procedural grounds with the Court of Cassation, though legal experts view this as a long shot. The trial is expected to draw significant national attention given Agnel’s status as a sporting icon who won two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics.
