Former Olympian Chris Black Indefinitely Banned for Abuse

Chris Black, a two-time Olympian and former UK record-holder in the men’s hammer throw, has received an indefinite suspension from all athletics activities following a conviction for sexually abusing a female athlete he coached. The ruling, announced by UK Athletics, stems from a series of serious charges that highlight a repeated pattern of misconduct.

According to UK Athletics, Black’s actions comprised 12 proven charges of abuse, which included serious sexual touching, some of which was penetrative. The offences occurred over a significant period when the athlete was in her late teens, specifically during training camps in locations such as Loughborough, Portugal, and Tenerife. The athlete’s identity has been protected, allowing her to maintain anonymity throughout the proceedings.

The disciplinary panel stated that Black’s behaviour constituted one of the most serious forms of abuse that a senior coach could impose on a young athlete. They noted that Black sent crude and sexually explicit messages to the athlete, and engaged in inappropriate touching during car rides, massage sessions, and in his home. The panel emphasized that Black attempted to justify his actions by claiming they would enhance the athlete’s performance by increasing her testosterone levels.

Black, who is now 75 years old, was initially suspended by UK Athletics in 2017 and faced a police investigation in 2018. Despite denying all charges, he was found guilty after a lengthy inquiry. The panel highlighted that the athlete experienced significant emotional distress, stating she “seriously considered suicide” and felt unable to disclose the abuse to anyone.

In a statement, the disciplinary panel remarked, “She said she would lie there in fear effectively waiting for it to end.” The athlete even left an overseas training camp early to return home alone, indicating the toll the situation had taken on her mental health.

Additionally, the panel expressed concern over Black’s breach of his initial suspension, which included offering coaching services at a Hammer Circle Reunion. They also discovered that he had made unusually large payments to the athlete, suggesting attempts to silence her regarding the abuse.

Black’s record in athletics is notable; he finished seventh at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and also competed in the 1980 Moscow Games. He won three AAA titles and a Commonwealth bronze medal in 1978, and was a respected figure in the sport. Despite these achievements, UK Athletics has made it clear that the severity of his actions has resulted in a complete prohibition from any athletic involvement.

The governing body stated, “There is no doubting his prowess and standing within the discipline of hammer throwing. His achievements as a competitor and coach are considerable.” Yet, they reiterated that such accomplishments cannot overshadow the serious nature of the charges against him.

Chris Black’s case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding athletes within sports and the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse in any form. The actions taken by UK Athletics reflect a commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved in athletics, particularly vulnerable young athletes.