SAINT-DENIS, France — The American coach of Olympic champions Andre De Grasse and Marcel Jacobs has been kicked out of Paris game.
Rana Reider what is being investigated for alleged sexual abuse by the US Center for SafeSport and was placed on a one-year probationary period that ended in May. He was accredited for the Summer Games by the Canadian Olympic Committee for his personal work with De Grasse, the defending 200-metre champion. He is also the personal trainer of Jacobs, the Italian who won the 100 meters in Tokyo three years ago, and several other sprinters.
“The decision to grant him that access was based on the understanding that his probation at the US Center for SafeSport ended in May of this year, that he had no other suspensions or sanctions and otherwise met our eligibility requirements,” the Canadian Olympic Committee said Monday.
“On Sunday, August 4, we learned of new information regarding the appropriateness of Mr. Reider remaining accredited by Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Games. In discussion with Athletics Canada, it was agreed that Mr. Reider’s accreditation should be revoked,” added the Canadian Olympic the body.
The move means De Grasse will not have his coach with him as he tries to defend his gold in the 200 semi-finals and possibly the final on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
De Grasse finished second to 100 champion Noah Lyles in his 200 heat on Monday to qualify for the semifinals.
Jacobs finished fifth in the 100 on Sunday and will also try to defend gold with Italy’s 4×100 relay team.
Athletics Canada also suspended Reider when the investigation began three years ago. De Grasse eventually began working with Reider again.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games