Andrew Young UK Athletics Misconduct Probe Results in Coaching Ban for Laura Muir’s Former Mentor
Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir’s former coach, Andrew Young, has been handed a three-year suspension following a bold athletics misconduct probe by a UK Athletics disciplinary panel. The decision marks the latest chapter in the Andrew Young controversy, which has shaken the athletics community.
Muir, who parted ways with Young in 2023, said she has “put this difficult chapter firmly behind” her after the outcome of the investigation.
UK Athletics Misconduct Panel Findings
The Andrew Young UK Athletics misconduct panel found that Young ignored medical advice and engaged in “manipulative and coercive behaviour” toward athletes he trained.
One disturbing incident revealed that Young, after an argument, “drove at speed with an athlete in his car before abandoning them at the roadside, disregarding their safety and wellbeing.”
Other findings included pressuring athletes to compete despite medical warnings, threatening to exclude them from events, and emotionally undermining those who reported injuries.
According to the athletics misconduct probe, these patterns demonstrated “a sustained abuse of authority and disregard for athlete welfare.”
Details of the Andrew Young Controversy and Coaching Ban
Young faced 39 charges of misconduct. In September 2024, a disciplinary panel found nine charges proven—seven of them deemed serious. Initially, the five-year ban, backdated to April 2023, was reduced to three years after an appeal in August 2025.
The appeal panel upheld all misconduct findings, dismissing claims of bias and emphasizing that revoking Young’s licence was necessary “to protect athletes.”
Under the terms of the Andrew Young UK Athletics ruling, Young must complete training on athlete welfare, injury management, and bullying or harassment prevention before reapplying for any coaching licence.
Laura Muir’s Response to the Andrew Young Controversy
Laura Muir, who won silver in the 1,500m at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, waived her anonymity to confirm her participation in the athletics misconduct probe.
“I fully support the decisions reached by both independent panels and am grateful the process was followed so thoroughly,” said Muir. “It has not been easy, but it was necessary. I’ve rediscovered my love for athletics and am now training in a positive, supportive environment.”
Muir is currently coached by Laura Weightman, while fellow athlete Jemma Reekie—also previously trained by Young—has joined coach Jon Bigg.
This story was first reported by BBC Sport. Read the full article here.
