Reider is currently being investigated by US Safe Sport
British athletes Adam Gemili and Laviai Nielsen have been removed from UK Athletics’ World Class Programme after deciding to remain with US coach Rana Reider.
Reider is being investigated by US Safe Sport after a number of complaints of sexual misconduct were made against him.
28-year-old sprinter Gemili and 25-year-old 400m runner Nielsen have opted to remain part of Reider’s training group, who are based in Florida.
On the the hand, two-time Olympic bronze medallist Daryll Neita has left his group and retains her funding as a result.
Adam Gemili and Laviai Nielsen have been taken off the World Class Programme by UKA after opting to stay with coach Rana Reider, who is the subject of an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct in America.
— Matt Lawton (@Lawton_Times) December 2, 2021
“UK Athletics’ (UKA) position has not changed in that any athlete working directly with Rana Reider, given the confirmed complaints of sexual misconduct against him from US Safe Sport, will not be able to be supported through the World Class Programme (WCP),” said UKA in a statement.
“Our discussions have been ongoing with athletes who are working directly with Rana Reider in Florida.
“To date, Daryll Neita has chosen to leave the group and find an alternative coaching set up and has committed to the WCP for the year ahead.
“Adam Gemili and Laviai Nielsen have elected to remain in Florida and accept they will not be supported through the WCP for the time being. UKA understand the significant commitment these athletes have made to be based in Florida for the winter and that they will remain part of the training group until a further update from US Safe Sport is provided.
“All lines of communication will remain open with the athletes and we will support them with any future decision-making as and when there are any developments communicated by US Safe Sport.”
Last month, UK Athletics released a statement telling its athletes to “cease all association” with the coach until the investigation is completed.
Despite the allegations, the 51-year-old told the Guardian the investigation was “news to me”.
Reider’s lawyer has stated that no formal allegations had been made against his client.
The former UK Athletics employee trains athletes at the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, having moved away from his former training base in the Netherlands recently.
Related links:
- British athletes told to stop working with Rana Reider following sexual misconduct allegations
- British Olympic silver medallist suspended for doping violation
- How athletes are now using their menstrual cycles as their superpower
