French long-distance runner Jimmy Gressier is under investigation for sexual harassment over an October complaint, a source familiar with the case said Tuesday.
The existence of the probe into a complaint from the director of France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) on behalf of an athlete was already public, but the identity of the suspect had been unknown.
Tuesday’s source, who asked not to be named, confirmed a report from sports daily L’Equipe that the probe targeted Gressier.
The 26-year-old holds the European record for running the 5 km (3.1 miles) distance on the road and was European U23 champion twice.
Gressier’s lawyer Antoine Maisonneuve said his client “denies the allegations” and would make no further comment.
He “has already had to explain himself before sporting bodies,” Maisonneuve said.
The October report of sexual harassment from INSEP followed a parliamentary inquiry into failings at France’s sporting federations.
Athlete Claire Palou had told lawmakers in September about sexual harassment she said she suffered at INSEP, located in the Vincennes park east of Paris.
She alleged that her training partner Gressier had subjected her to inappropriate comments or behaviour following an earlier consensual relationship, L’Equipe reported.
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 15 hours ago‘Has-been’ Belgium stars scorched after Iran World Cup draw
Belgian media on Monday lambasted the Red Devils' lacklustre scoreless World Cup draw against...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 18 hours agoGermany’s Schlotterbeck out of World Cup with ankle injury
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out of the World Cup after injuring a left-ankle ligament,...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 18 hours agoTuchel’s England face defensive questions despite flying start at World Cup
England's much-vaunted attack clicked impressively in their opening World Cup win over Croatia, but...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 19 hours agoCape Verde targeting World Cup knockout rounds after Uruguay draw: coach
Cape Verde coach Bubista said his team are targeting a place in the World...
By AFP