Former Team GB coach Vicente Modahl charged with child sex offences and rape

Vicente Modahl, 65, has been charged with 19 counts which include two counts of raping a child and five counts of sexually assaulting a child across a 12-year period

Vicente Modahl, a former Olympic coach who worked with Team GB athletes, has been charged over alleged child sex offences and rape. The 65-year-old Norwegian – the husband of former Olympic middle-distance runner Diane Modahl – has been accused of two counts of raping a child and five counts of sexually assaulting a child.

Modahl, whose full name is Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, previously lived in the UK. He is also charged with two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault by penetration of a child.

Per the Crown Prosecution Service, his 19 charges – relating to the period 2012-2024 – also include two counts of raping an adult female, two counts of sexually assaulting an adult female, one count of causing an adult female to engage in sexual activity, two counts of assault by penetration of an adult female and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Vicente Leiva-Modahl for a number of serious sex offences, including offences relating to child sexual abuse,” said James Bolton-Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. Modahl is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with Greater Manchester Police as they carried out their investigation.”

Throughout his career, the Norwegian spent time coaching British and overseas athletes including Team GB stars and at least one Olympic gold medal winner, with his coaching work spanning several decades. His LinkedIn page also makes reference to his work as a FIFA-licensed sports agent.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and has a right to a fair trial,” the CPS said in a statement. “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”