Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Antony James, 34, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against underage girls, including rape and child exploitation. The verdict, delivered by a jury, marks a shocking fall from grace for the once-celebrated athlete who competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
James was found guilty of three counts of rape, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and two charges of causing or inciting a child into sexual activity. The crimes took place between 2012 and 2022, targeting girls under the age of 16.
The court heard disturbing details of James’ predatory behavior, including allegations that he forced his victims to have sex with “strange” men to satisfy what prosecutors described as his “perverse sexual needs.” James attempted to claim the sexual encounters were consensual and provided graphic accounts of his actions, including boasts about tying up one of his victims and engaging in “threesomes.”
During the trial, James, who was also training as a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police at the time of his arrest, made shocking claims about his interactions with the victims. He told jurors how he “strangled” one girl, bizarrely asserting, “She made me do it.” However, the jury saw through these claims, rejecting his defense.
The judge has warned James that he faces a “substantial sentence of imprisonment” for his crimes. The disgraced swimmer has been released on bail pending his sentencing later this year, though the severity of his offenses suggests a lengthy prison term is likely.
The prosecution has been given a week to decide whether to pursue a re-trial on six additional charges on which the jury failed to reach a verdict, including five counts of rape. James was cleared of three other charges.
This case has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and beyond. James, once a rising star in British swimming, had achieved significant success in his athletic career. He won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and was the British National Senior Champion for 100m butterfly for four consecutive years. He represented Team GB at the European Championships in 2011 before competing in the 100m butterfly at the London Olympics in 2012.
The conviction raises serious questions about safeguarding in sports and the vetting processes for aspiring police officers. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that James no longer works for the force, but the fact that he was in training while committing these offenses is likely to prompt a review of recruitment procedures.
