Rakhi P Nair
Rana Reider the Canadian field coach from California for sprinters Andre De Grasse and Lamont Marcell Jacobs has been removed by COC over sexual abuse allegations made by three female athletes.
This is not the first time Reider has been facing such allegations. Reider is accused of a number of offenses by two athletes who have been named in the court documents. And a third athlete who has chosen to remain anonymous. The allegations against him include repeated sexual and emotional and verbal abuse. He is also accused of “grooming” one of the athletes while she was still a minor.
Not his first time
Reider has previously served a one year probation over his relationship with an adult athlete. Which he termed as, “consensual romantic relationship” which posed a, “power imbalance”. Following an 18 month investigation into his case after multiple sexual abuse allegations were made against him.
Despite all this Reider maintains his innocence. Rider’s US based attorney shot down the decision for not allowing him to continue his coaching of athletes at Paris Olympics. He says the decision was made “ suddenly, and without due process”. He also adds that Reider has “no pending sanctions against him by any governing body”.
Reider describes the allegations as “ false and shocking.” Making a counter claim for filing a lawsuit for defamation and on other grounds.
Accreditation revoked, Canadian Olympic body responds
On Monday Canadian Olympic Body responded with queries regarding Reider, “The decision to provide him with that access was based on the understanding that his probation with the U.S. Center for SafeSport ended in May this year, that he had no other suspensions or sanctions, and otherwise met our eligibility requirements.”
They also added, “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.”
De Grasse still focused on winning
Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse split from his coach in 2022 over sexual misconduct allegations. He teamed up with Irish-based John Coghlan for the Tokyo Olympics which De Grasse described as wanting “to try something different”. The sprinter being extremely professional is still focused on winning and doing his best in the race.