Olympic champion De Grasse to run without banned coach
Andre De Grasse will be without his coach Rana Reider when he defends his 200m Olympic crown in Paris.
Reider, who mentors De Grasse and Marcell Jacobs, has been kicked out of the Paris Games.
The American coach was investigated for alleged sexual misconduct by the US Centre for SafeSport and placed on a one-year probation that ended in May.
He was accredited for the Summer Games through the Canadian Olympic Committee for his personal work with De Grasse and Italian Jacobs, who won the 100 metres in Tokyo three years ago, and several other sprinters.
“The decision to provide him with that access was based on the understanding that his probation with the US Center for SafeSport ended in May 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 4th we learned of new information about 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 be revoked,” the Canadian Olympic body added.
Hence De Grasse won’t have his coach with him when he attempts to defend his gold in the 200 semi-finals and possibly final on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
De Grasse finished second behind 100 champion Noah Lyles in his 200 heat on Monday to qualify for the semi-finals.
Jacobs finished fifth in the 100 on Sunday and will also be attempting 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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