In a recent development at the Paris Olympics, American coach Rana Reider has been expelled from the Games due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Reider, known for coaching Olympic champions Andre De Grasse and Marcell Jacobs, was investigated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and was previously placed on a one-year probation that concluded in May.
Despite the probation ending, Reider's accreditation for the Summer Games was facilitated through the Canadian Olympic Committee based on the understanding that he had no ongoing sanctions and met eligibility requirements. However, new information surfaced on August 4th, prompting the Canadian Olympic body to revoke Reider's accreditation in consultation with Athletics Canada.
The decision means that De Grasse, the defending 200-meter champion, will be without his coach as he competes in the upcoming semifinals and potentially the final. De Grasse secured a spot in the 200 semifinals by finishing second in his heat on Monday.
Meanwhile, Jacobs, the Italian sprinter who clinched the 100 meters gold in Tokyo, finished fifth in the 100 final and is set to participate in Italy's 4x100 relay team.
Reider's lawyer has refuted the allegations of misconduct, stating that his client has no current sanctions and dismissing the claims as malicious. Athletics Canada had previously suspended Reider when the investigation began three years ago, but De Grasse later resumed working with him.
The focus for the Canadian athletes now shifts to performance, with head coach Glenroy Gilbert emphasizing the need to eliminate distractions and concentrate on the upcoming events.
For more updates on the Paris Olympics, visit the AP Olympics hub.
