Australian Olympian ice skater Brendan Kerry denies sexual misconduct, steps down from coaching role

Under its member and child protection policies, Ice Skating Australia and the Australian Professional Skating Association require its coaches to disclose any disciplinary action against them that involves sexual misconduct or abuse, or any matters the sport “may consider to constitute a risk to its members, volunteers, athletes or reputation”.

The Australian Olympic Committee, Sport Integrity Australia, Ice Skating Australia and Ice Skating NSW all released statements on Wednesday saying they were not aware of SafeSport’s investigation into Kerry.

A statement on Ice Skating NSW’s website informed members it was investigating the allegations, and had contacted SafeSport to obtain a copy of its findings.

“We understand Brendan will not be coaching during this period. Brendan’s tenure on the NSWISA Board concluded at the NSWISA AGM yesterday. We will investigate the matter and take appropriate action to protect all our athletes,” the statement added.

Kerry is one of Australia’s most successful figure skaters, competing in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics. He is also an eight-time Australian champion. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics – his last before his retirement due to injury – Kerry was selected as a flag bearer for the opening ceremony.

He is also part of an Australian figure skating dynasty. His mother, Monica MacDonald, is a former Olympian and current president of the Australian Professional Skaters’ Association. His sister is two-time national champion Chantelle Kerry, and his step-father, John Dunn, is a coach and board member of Ice Skating Australia.

Macquarie Ice Skating rink is managed by MacDonald and Dunn, and lists Kerry as a lifetime member on its website.

Neither Kerry nor MacDonald were at the relatively busy rink on Thursday. This masthead was unable to contact MacDonald.

Macquarie Ice Skating Rink declined to comment when contacted, instead deferring to Ice Skating NSW. Ice Skating NSW did not respond to detailed questions sent by this masthead.