The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee on Thursday placed one of its coaches on leave after the Associated Press reported that one of its coaches was accused of sexually abusing a young biathlete and causing her pain to the point of attempting suicide. was sentenced to
Rocky Harris, director of sports and athlete services for the USOPC, sent an email to members of the U.S. biathlon national team “regarding allegations of abuse” raised by several biathletes in an Associated Press report.
“We would like to commend the immense courage and strength of the athletes who came forward. Effective immediately, we have placed USOPC staff on administrative leave pending an internal investigation,” the email said. Ta.
Harris did not name the employee, but Gary Colliander was the only USOPC coach named in the Associated Press report. USOPC spokesman John Mason told The Associated Press that no additional information will be released while the investigation is ongoing.
“While we are currently gathering all necessary information regarding these complaints, we want to emphasize that there is no place for abuse or illegal activity in our community,” AP said. This was written in an email that was also sent to the correspondence.
Grace Boutot told The Associated Press that Mr. Colliander gave her a lot of attention, including long hugs and inappropriate touching, since he began coaching her when she was 15. After she turned 18, the behavior escalated to “kissing, sexual fondling, and oral sex,” according to a treatment summary shared with The Associated Press by therapist Jacqueline Pauli-Ritz.
The Associated Press typically does not identify victims of sexual abuse unless they publicly identify themselves or share their stories publicly.
Buteau said he begged Coriander to stop, but Coriander ignored him. She said he warned her not to tell anyone, that his life would be ruined and that her career as a biathlete would be over.
In September 2010, Pauli Ritz contacted Colliander and told him that Buteau was suffering from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and should stop coaching him, according to the treatment summary. .
Pauli-Ritz said, noting that Booteau overdosed on antidepressants during a training camp in Soldier Hollow, Utah, on October 7, 2010, saying, “He didn’t do anything like this until after his suicide attempt.” “I did not do that,” he wrote. She was found by teammates and hospitalized.
The next day, Mr. Colliander resigned from his position at the Maine Winter Sports Center. He was hired by the U.S. Paralympic Team in December 2016 and serves as the Associate Director of High Performance for U.S. Paralympic Nordic Skiing.
Colliander did not immediately respond to email and phone messages seeking comment.
Booteau, 33, said he was glad the U.S. Olympic Committee took action, but was “incredibly disappointed” that USA Biathlon didn’t take similar action.
“The true origins of the culture of misogyny are in U.S. Biathlon. Honestly, the silence is astonishing,” she said.
USA Biathlon CEO Jack Gearhart said in an email to The Associated Press and USA Biathlon members late Thursday that the allegations in the Associated Press report are concerning. “We are deeply concerned about the experiences of the athletes mentioned and would like to reassure all of you of our commitment to athlete safety.”
After the Associated Press reported earlier this year that Olympian Joanne Reed suffered years of sexual abuse and harassment, according to an investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which was established to investigate sexual abuse allegations. , Mr. Booteau was one of six Olympians and other biathletes to come forward. The Larry Nassar USA Gymnastics scandal has affected Olympic competition.
They described a culture of abuse dating back to the 1990s and said that while the men involved rose through the ranks in the sport, they faced retaliation and were forced to end their racing careers early.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, free and confidential support is available through the National Sexual Assault Resource Center and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673). Masu.
