American Coach of Olympic Champions De Grasse and Jacobs Disqualified from Paris Games

SAINT-DENIS, France — The American mentor of Olympic champions Andre De Grasse and Marcell Jacobs has been expelled from the Paris Games.

Rana Reider was investigated for alleged sexual misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and put on a one-year probation that concluded in May. He was authorized for the Summer Games through the Canadian Olympic Committee for his individual work with De Grasse, the protecting 200-meter champion. He is also the individual mentor of Jacobs, the Italian who secured the 100 meters in Tokyo three years ago, and various other sprinters.

“The resolution to grant him that access was grounded on the realization that his probation with the U.S. Center for SafeSport ended in May this year, that he had no other suspensions or penalties, and otherwise complied with our qualification requirements,” the Canadian Olympic Committee communicated on Monday.

“On Sunday August 4th we obtained new information regarding the appropriateness of Mr. Reider continuing to be accredited by Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Games. In consultation with Athletics Canada, it was decided that Mr. Reider’s accreditation be withdrawn,” the Canadian Olympic body appended.

The action signifies that De Grasse won’t have his mentor with him when he endeavors to safeguard his gold in the 200 semifinals and potentially final on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

De Grasse came in second behind 100 titleholder Noah Lyles in his 200 heat on Monday to qualify for the semifinals.

Jacobs concluded in fifth place in the 100 on Sunday and will also be striving to safeguard gold with Italy’s 4×100 relay team.

Athletics Canada also suspended Reider when the inquiry commenced three years ago. De Grasse ultimately resumed working with Reider.

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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games