Andy Young, the coach who helped guide Laura Muir to Olympic and world championship medals, has been banned for three years after being found guilty of serious misconduct. The 48-year-old, who also coached Jemma Reekie to a fourth-place finish in the 800m at the Tokyo Games, was reprimanded for multiple instances of placing performance above the well-being of his athletes, using manipulative tactics, and ignoring medical advice.
A two-panel investigation found Young had engaged in coercive behavior towards athletes, forcing them to train despite injuries and pressuring them to comply with his demands or risk exclusion from training or races. One of the most disturbing incidents occurred when he drove at high speed with an athlete in his car after a disagreement. When the athlete asked to be let out, Young abandoned them by the roadside, a behavior that was deemed both reckless and abusive.
The investigation also uncovered that Young had instructed an athlete to post a tweet that could harm their relationship with sponsors, a move seen as unnecessary and detrimental. Additionally, he made an insensitive comment about an athlete’s weight while driving, leading to the athlete requesting to exit the car. Young’s extreme driving behavior was flagged as an attempt to intimidate the athlete.
The ban, which was backdated to April 2023 when Young was suspended, means he will be allowed to return to coaching in April 2026. His coaching license was revoked after an initial ruling by an independent panel upheld nine out of 37 charges against him. Although Young appealed the decision, claiming bias and unfairness, the appeals panel confirmed the severity of his actions, stating that his behavior needed to be addressed to protect future athletes.
Muir, who had previously worked with Young, waived her anonymity in the case, confirming her involvement in the proceedings. She expressed support for the panel’s decision, acknowledging that the thorough process had helped restore the integrity of her sport. Muir also stated that she had rediscovered her passion for athletics, now training in a positive and supportive environment.
This case is part of a broader pattern of coaching scandals that have plagued British Olympic sports, including issues in cycling, swimming, and athletics. UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner emphasized that significant changes had been made to improve the culture within the sport, including enhanced reporting systems for athletes.
