The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced the placement of an employee on administrative leave following allegations of sexual abuse against a coach, which reportedly drove a young biathlete to a suicide attempt. The concerning claims were highlighted in a report that prompted USOPC Chief of Sport and Athlete Services, Rocky Harris, to reach out to members of the U.S. Biathlon national team via email.
In the correspondence, Harris expressed support for the athletes who bravely brought these allegations to light, stating, “We want to commend these athletes for their immense courage and strength in coming forward.” He confirmed that an internal investigation has begun, although he did not disclose the name of the employee involved. However, the only coach referenced in the report is Gary Colliander. A USOPC spokesperson indicated that no further information would be provided while the investigation unfolds.
The email emphasized that the organization is making a concerted effort to gather all relevant information regarding the complaints. Harris underscored that any form of abuse or misconduct is unacceptable within their community. One athlete, Grace Boutot, reported to the associated press that her interactions with Colliander began when she was just 15 years old, involving excessive attention, lengthy hugs, and inappropriate contact. According to a therapist’s summary, this behavior escalated after her 18th birthday to include kissing, sexual fondling, and oral sex.
Boutot disclosed that she repeatedly asked Colliander to halt his advances, but her requests were ignored. He allegedly warned her against speaking out, claiming it would jeopardize both his career and her opportunities in biathlon. In 2010, her therapist reached out to Colliander, notifying him that Boutot was suffering from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, advising him to cease coaching her.
Regrettably, Colliander did not stop until after Boutot attempted suicide in October 2010 by overdosing on antidepressants during a training camp in Soldier Hollow, Utah. She was hospitalized after being discovered by a teammate. Following this incident, Colliander resigned from his role with the Maine Winter Sports Center and later joined the U.S. Paralympic team in December 2016, assuming the position of associate director of high performance for U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing.
Boutot expressed her relief that the USOPC is taking action, yet she feels “incredibly disappointed” that U.S. Biathlon has not similarly responded. She posited that the root of the issue lies within U.S. Biathlon itself, noting, “The silence is stunning, to be honest.” Jack Gierhart, CEO of U.S. Biathlon, addressed the troubling allegations in an email to members, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to athlete safety.
Boutot was one of several Olympians who stepped forward after a prior report indicating that Olympian Joanne Reid had been sexually abused and harassed over a prolonged period. These findings emerged from an investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which was established to deal with allegations of sexual abuse in Olympic sports after the Larry Nassar scandal rocked U.S. Gymnastics. The culture of abuse reportedly dates back to the 1990s, with many involved individuals facing retaliation that forced them to end their athletic careers prematurely.
In light of these events, it’s vital to highlight the resources available for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges. The national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. can be reached by calling or texting 988, and there is also an online chat option available at 988lifeline.org.
