Angus Mortimer, a former Canadian Olympian in canoe kayak, has been handed a lifetime ban from participating in Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) events after being found guilty of sexual harassment. The decision follows a four-year investigation into allegations that Mortimer used his position to exploit and coerce teenage girls within the program.
Canoe Kayak Canada, the sport’s national governing body, declared that the 38-year-old Mortimer is permanently ineligible for participation in any CKC-related activities. As part of the penalty, Mortimer is required to provide a letter of apology to the complainants, whose identities were not disclosed.
In a statement, CKC praised the courage of the complainants who came forward, pledging ongoing support for them in the aftermath of this distressing matter.
While specific details were not released by CKC, The Globe and Mail reported that Mortimer allegedly utilized his Olympic status to groom teenage girls, initiating relationships through online messaging and coercing them into sexual acts.
According to a panel of independent adjudicators overseeing the case, incidents occurred between 2009 and 2013. The report revealed that Mortimer targeted girls as young as 15, engaging in inappropriate relationships. One complainant alleged that Mortimer used force to involve her in an oral sex act, while another victim woke up in a hotel room to Mortimer committing rape. In both instances, the victims were intoxicated.
The CKC asserted that Mortimer’s actions violated its 2015 Discrimination and Harassment Policy. Although The Globe reported a criminal case against Mortimer, it concluded without any charges being filed.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing misconduct within sports organizations and emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments for athletes, free from harassment and exploitation.
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