Vicente Modahl, a former Olympic coach who collaborated with Team GB athletes, faces charges related to alleged child sexual offenses and rape. The 65-year-old Norwegian, married to former Olympic middle-distance runner Diane Modahl, is accused of two charges of child rape and five charges of child sexual assault.
Known as Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, Modahl used to reside in the UK and is further charged with two counts of inducing a child into sexual acts, as well as two counts of child penetration assault.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the 19 charges against him, spanning from 2012 to 2024, include two charges of adult female rape, two charges of adult female sexual assault, one charge of inducing an adult female into sexual activity, two charges of adult female penetration assault, and one charge of controlling and coercive behavior.
James Bolton-Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has chosen to press charges against Vicente Leiva-Modahl for various serious sexual offenses, including those related to child sexual abuse.” Modahl is scheduled to appear in Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
“Our prosecutors have diligently gathered evidence to support the case and deemed it necessary to pursue legal action in the public interest. We have collaborated closely with Greater Manchester Police during their investigation,” Bolton-Smith added.
Throughout his professional journey, the Norwegian coach mentored British and international athletes, including Team GB luminaries and at least one Olympic gold medalist, spanning numerous decades. His LinkedIn profile also highlights his role as a FIFA-licensed sports agent.
In a statement, the CPS emphasized, “It is essential to respect that legal proceedings against the suspect are ongoing, and he is entitled to a fair trial. It is crucial to refrain from any reporting, commentary, or online information sharing that could potentially bias these proceedings.”
