A prominent athletics coach and race director has been permanently banned from the sport following serious breaches of conduct, including inappropriate relationships with athletes and the use of racist and misogynistic language. The disciplinary panel overseeing the case found overwhelming evidence of misconduct, with the individual admitting to all nine charges brought against him.
Central to the case were two intimate relationships the coach had with athletes while serving in a position of authority. One of these relationships, spanning nearly two years from March 2019 to January 2021, involved the coach sending explicit images to an athlete he was mentoring. In another case, a relationship occurred between February and June 2020, during which the coach failed to disclose that he was married.
Additionally, the investigation revealed a troubling pattern of racist and discriminatory remarks made over an extended period. From 2013 to 2020, the coach made deeply offensive comments during Facebook Messenger conversations, including using derogatory racial slurs and making inappropriate references in relation to football matches. These messages revealed a consistent disregard for basic standards of decency and respect.
The coach’s conduct also included problematic behaviour related to athletes’ physical health. He exhibited obsessive control over their body weight and dietary habits, even going so far as to forbid athletes from purchasing food. In one disturbing instance, he used personal attacks to undermine an athlete’s mental wellbeing, claiming, “This is why your parents don’t want anything to do with you.”
Further evidence showed he made crude and demeaning comments about a female athlete in 2022, referring to her as “a fucking heifer” and saying she had “blown up.” Such remarks were not only disrespectful but indicative of a wider culture of body shaming and verbal abuse that he perpetuated.
The disciplinary case was brought under UK Athletics’ formal rules and procedures, following an independent investigation into breaches of the code of conduct for coaches. The lifetime ban prohibits him from any involvement in athletics across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including coaching, event organisation, and other roles governed by UK Athletics or World Athletics regulations.
Officials emphasised the importance of maintaining integrity within the sport and protecting the wellbeing of athletes. They underscored that this case serves as a warning to all involved in athletics that serious breaches of conduct will not be tolerated, regardless of one’s position or past contributions. The decision to impose a permanent ban aims to reinforce a culture of safety, respect, and fairness within the sport, and to honour the commitment of the many coaches who uphold the highest standards in their work.
