Former University of East London student and British Olympian Adam Gemili has been dropped from UK Athletics’ funding after refusing orders to leave his coach who is under investigation for sexual misconduct.
Sprint coach Rana Reider, 51, is currently under investigation by the US centre for SafeSport following multiple complaints against the American.
The UKA requested that the sprinter cease contact and training with his Florida-based coach while the investigations took place, or risk being removed from the UKA World Class Funding Programme.
Despite receiving a letter from the UKA, outlining the inappropriateness for Gemili to continue training or be associated with Reider while under investigation, the 28-year-old chose to stick by his coach who he has worked with since 2017.
Gemili, who studied Sports and Exercise Science with Human Biology at UEL from 2012-2015, said: “UK Athletics are understanding of my decision and although I will not be on the World Class Programme whilst the investigation takes place, we shall continue to closely work together.
“Having spoken with UK Athletics, US SafeSport and various athletes within the Tumbleweed group, I feel as though it is correct to trust that the proper organisation will conduct a thorough investigation and quickly outline their findings.”
Reider had established a reputation as one of the best sprint coaches in the world. He worked as UKA sprint coach from 2012-2014, coaching a number of high-profile athletes such as Tokyo 2020 Olympic 200m gold medallist Andre de Grasse and the world triple jump champion Christian Taylor.
Ryan Stevens, Reider’s lawyer, said the allegations against his client were “unvetted” and “unproven”.
The investigation is being carried out by the US Centre for SafeSport, an independent body that handles allegations of abuse and misconduct in Olympic sports.
While the former 4×100 meters relay world champion and four-time European champion remains eligible to compete for Britain, he has now limited access to funding and associated medical help.
