(Paris) The Canadian Olympic Committee said it has withdrawn the accreditation of the coach of six-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse.
The COC said it had been made aware of “new information” regarding the decision to offer accreditation to Rana Reider, who also coaches Tokyo 2021 100m champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy and several other star sprinters.
The country’s Olympic umbrella organization said Reider is on probation through the end of May 2024 from the United States Center for Safe Sport (USCSS), an independent nonprofit organization committed to building a sporting community where participants can work and learn together free from emotional, physical and sexual abuse and misconduct.
The decision to grant him accreditation was taken on the assumption that there were no other sanctions or suspensions against him.
“On Sunday, August 4, we were made aware of new information regarding the appropriateness of Mr. Reiner’s continued accreditation by Team Canada for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. After discussions with Athletics Canada, it has been decided that Mr. Reider’s accreditation be revoked,” read the COC statement sent Tuesday morning.
PHOTO CHRISTINNE MUSCHI, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Andre De Grasse, in red
The COC did not specify the nature of the new information, but suggested that Reider had been accredited as a personal trainer, which gave him access to athletes’ training and warm-up areas.
British media reported that the decision was made to protect the integrity of the legal process in relation to allegations of sexual and emotional abuse, and court documents were filed in Broward County, Florida, showing that three women there have filed complaints against Reider.
These allegations have yet to be proven in court, and Reider has not been formally charged with any crime.
The COC’s decision means De Grasse will be without his coach when he attempts to defend his title in the semi-finals, and possibly the final, of the 200 metres on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
De Grasse finished second to reigning Olympic 100-meter champion Noah Lyles of the United States in his 200-meter heat on Monday, earning a spot in the semifinals in that event.
Jacobs finished fifth in the 100 meters on Sunday and will now try to defend his Olympic title with the Italian team in the 4×100 meters relay.
Athletics Canada also suspended Reider when the investigation was launched three years ago. De Grasse eventually resumed his partnership with Reider.
With Associated Press