The French canoeing federation reacted on Friday morning after one of its coaches, Jean-Yves Prigent, was placed in precautionary custody on Thursday, who “partially admitted the acts of rape” of which he was accused.
“The president of the FFCK wishes to express his strong indignation following this new announcement,” the federation writes in a press release. He expresses his profound sadness and reiterates his full support for the victims, their families and loved ones. He also shares the pain of all the licensees, who feel betrayed in the trust they have placed and deeply shocked by the revelation of the very serious facts he complains about. »
The federation, which “has already decided to become a civil party in the event of the opening of criminal proceedings”, adds that “it will relentlessly continue the fight against all forms of violence, in particular sexual violence, and to ensure that speech is freed”. .” “The federation will provide its full support to the ongoing procedures so that justice can be done,” it continues.
Placed in custody on Tuesday morning as part of a rape investigation, this French canoeing figure was questioned by investigators following the revelations and complaint, in September 2024, of a former canoeist who had been trained by the Breton coach . Already sentenced on 12 July 2024 to four years in prison, one year with an electronic bracelet and the other three with suspended probation, for having committed, on two consecutive nights in March 2023, to touching two canoeists, Jean-Yves Prigent is said to have committed the rapes of one of the two victims in the first proceeding. These would have taken place between 2023 and 2024, “in particular during sports competitions that took place outside the department, in Prague and Bourg-Saint-Maurice”.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Ethics Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. As many of our readers might be aware, there’s been a troubling development within the French canoeing federation regarding one of their coaches, Jean-Yves Prigent, who has been placed in precautionary custody following accusations of rape. Can you share your initial thoughts on this situation?
Expert: Good morning, and thank you for having me. This incident is indeed deeply distressing, not just for those directly affected but for the entire sports community. It reflects broader issues of accountability within sports institutions, particularly concerning safeguarding protocols for athletes, especially minors.
Editor: The statement from the federation expresses profound sadness and supports the victims and their families. How critical is that support coming from such organizations during these circumstances?
Expert: It’s absolutely essential. Public statements from associations like the French canoeing federation can play a significant role in reassuring victims that their experiences are taken seriously. It’s also crucial for setting a tone of zero tolerance against abuse within the sport, and for encouraging other victims to come forward. However, it must be coupled with real systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Editor: What steps do you think federations should take to ensure the safety of athletes under their care?
Expert: There are several important measures. Firstly, comprehensive training for coaches and staff on safeguarding and recognizing abuse is vital. Secondly, transparent reporting mechanisms must be in place, enabling athletes to come forward safely without fear of repercussions. Lastly, regular audits of these protocols and an independent review process can help maintain accountability and trust within the organization.
Editor: In this case, Prigent has partially admitted to the accusations. How does this impact the credibility of the federation and the trust placed in coaches and staff?
Expert: When a coach admits to any wrongdoing, it severely undermines the trust not only in the individual but also in the institution they represent. It raises urgent questions about the vetting processes used to hire coaches and how well the federation monitors its staff. Without rigorous accountability and a commitment to ethical standards, the federation risks losing support from its community, which can lead to long-term damage.
Editor: Given the current culture around accountability and prevention in sports, do you believe change is on the horizon, or do you think this will remain a persistent issue?
Expert: I do believe there is potential for change, especially given the increased awareness and advocacy surrounding these issues in sports. Recent movements emphasizing athlete welfare and mental health are pressuring organizations to adopt more responsible practices. However, sustained effort and commitment are required; it cannot just be a fleeting response to specific incidents. The goal must be a cultural shift that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today. This is clearly a critical moment for the French canoeing federation and sports as a whole, and the road to reform is essential for future generations.
Expert: Thank you for addressing these important issues. Conversations like this can lead to positive change, and I hope we continue to see progress in creating safer environments in sports.