Former British athletics coach Toni Minichiello banned for life for ‘sexual conduct’

A former coach of the British athletics team has been banned for life after an investigation found he engaged in “sexually physical” behavior toward athletes and bullied and emotionally abused them.

Toni Minichiello is known for leading Jessica Ennis-Hill of the British team to victory in the heptathlon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

In a statement, Minichiello said he strongly denies all allegations made against him.

He raised a number of concerns about the proceedings before the tribunal, claiming in one case that he was in another country when one of the most serious allegations was made.

“Large number of violations”

UK Athletics found that he had committed “numerous breaches” of the terms of his coaching licence over a 15-year period.

It said the results “represented a gross breach of trust” and were of “extreme seriousness”.

The investigation revealed that he had imitated sexual acts and commented on and touched the breasts of female athletes.

He was also found to have used derogatory language. For example, when asked what the training would entail, he replied, “Sucking my cock,” and also referred to his penis as a “spicy Italian sausage.”

Since Minichiello’s coaching license expired during the disciplinary proceedings, he cannot be suspended or penalized.

However, the governing body has decided that it will not consider any future applications from Minichiello for a coaching license.

“UKA has reviewed the matter and determined that these findings are extremely serious,” UK Athletics (UKA) said in a statement.

“They represent a serious breach of trust on the part of Mr Minichiello, which has had serious consequences for the mental health and psychological well-being of the athletes entrusted to him.”

“The issuing of a UKA licence to a coach is essentially a declaration by the UKA that the coach in question can be trusted with the athletes entrusted to him.

“UKA firmly believes that there will never be a time in the future when it would be appropriate to give this assurance and issue such a licence.

“UKA has decided that it will not consider any future applications from Mr Minichiello for a permanent UKA coaching licence.”

Investigations show that Minichiello exhibited “sexual behavior”

The Panel concluded that Minichiello:

• Made inappropriate sexual innuendo and gestures towards athletes

• The athletes’ right to privacy was violated by asking intrusive questions and making personal comments about their private lives.

• He engaged in “sexual physical conduct,” that is, inappropriate and unwanted touching of athletes toward whom he had a duty of care.

• Inappropriate and sometimes aggressive behavior, bullying and emotional abuse

Minichiello denies all allegations against him

In a statement, Minichiello said: “I cannot fully express my disappointment at this decision and at UK Athletics’ unfair handling of this process. I firmly refute all allegations made against me.”

“I have been a trainer for over 30 years and although I was robust and demanding, I have not
inappropriate towards one of my athletes, as very many of them would attest.”

He added: “It is very important that UK Athletics responds quickly and seriously to serious allegations of misconduct, particularly when these allegations are made by young people.”

“However, these investigations and tribunals must be conducted carefully, properly and fairly. I do not believe I was treated fairly in this case.”