MOSCOW, Aug 9 UK Athletics banned for life Athletics coach Tony Minichiello for inappropriate sexual behavior, according to the website of the organization. During the investigation of the UK Athletics special commission, it turned out that Minichiello made inappropriate sexual innuendos and gestures towards athletes and did not respect the right of athletes to privacy, making intrusive questions and comments about their personal lives. In addition, the coach was observed sexual and aggressive behavior. He is alleged to have made inappropriate and unwanted touches, intimidation and emotional abuse of athletes. The Commission concluded that the large number of infractions over the 15-year period of the coaching license were very serious and constituted a «gross breach of trust» on the part of Minichiello. which had «serious consequences for the mental health and mental well-being of athletes.» In this regard, UK Athletics banned Minichiello from issuing a coaching license indefinitely. It is noted that if he wants to apply for a license in the future, it will be appealed. Minichiello has trained British heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill since the age of 13. Under his leadership, she won the gold of the 2012 Olympics in London and the silver of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, and became a three-time world champion. Minichiello was named Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards.
