Olympic Scandal: Diane Modahl’s husband charged with 19 child sex offences — What we know so far
Ex-Olympic coach and Diane Modahl’s husband charged with child sex offences. Image Credit: Getty Images
A shocking revelation has emerged in the world of athletics as Vicente Modahl, the husband of former British Olympic athlete Diane Modahl, has been charged with multiple child sex offences. The 65-year-old former Olympic coach is facing 19 serious charges, including rape, sexual assault of a child, and coercive control, following a lengthy police investigation.
Former Olympic Coach Vicente Modahl Faces Multiple Charges
According to BBC, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, also known as Vicente Modahl, was charged after evidence from a Greater Manchester Police investigation revealed alleged offences against a single victim between 2012 and 2024.
The CPS issued a statement on Monday, confirming that prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges and that pursuing the case was in the public interest.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Vicente Leiva-Modahl for a number of serious sex offences, including child sexual abuse,” said Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor James Bolton-Smith.
Modahl is scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he will face all 19 charges.
Who Is Vicente Modahl?
Vicente Modahl is a Norwegian-born athletics coach who gained recognition for training elite British athletes, including his wife, Diane Modahl, one of the UK’s most celebrated middle-distance runners. Diane competed in four Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000) and won gold at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.
Vicente was once credited with playing a key role in Diane’s athletic success and held several respected coaching positions within British Athletics. His reputation, however, has now been overshadowed by the gravity of the criminal allegations he faces.
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CPS Confirms the Nature of the Allegations
The charges brought against Modahl include:
- Rape
- Sexual assault of a child
- Controlling and coercive behaviour
All charges involve the same alleged victim, and investigators have stated the offences took place over a 12-year period between 2012 and 2024.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has worked closely with prosecutors to gather evidence, and the case is now progressing to court.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court,” said Bolton-Smith, confirming the case has met the CPS’s evidential threshold.
Diane Modahl: From Sporting Glory to Family Turmoil
The charges have drawn public attention not only because of Modahl’s position as a former coach but also due to his marriage to Diane Modahl, a prominent figure in British athletics and a respected advocate for youth sports.
Diane Modahl, 58, founded the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF), which helps young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue sports careers. She has not been implicated in the case and has made no public statement since the charges were announced.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The news has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with many expressing disbelief over the allegations against a once-prominent figure. The CPS and GMP have reminded the public that Modahl remains innocent until proven guilty.
The case will proceed through the Manchester Magistrates’ Court, where initial hearings will determine the timeline for a full trial. Further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
FAQ: What People Are Searching About Diane and Vicente Modahl’s Case
1. Who is Vicente Modahl?
Vicente Modahl, also known as Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, is a former British Olympic athletics coach and the husband of retired middle-distance runner Diane Modahl.
2. What is Vicente Modahl accused of?
He faces 19 charges, including rape, sexual assault of a child, and coercive control, related to one alleged victim between 2012 and 2024.
3. When will Vicente Modahl appear in court?
He is scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
4. What has the Crown Prosecution Service said?
The CPS confirmed that there is sufficient evidence to charge Modahl and that the case meets the public interest test for prosecution.
5. Is Diane Modahl involved in the case?
No. There is no suggestion or evidence that Diane Modahl is involved in or connected to the allegations.
6. Who is the alleged victim?
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the alleged victim for legal and privacy reasons.
7. What happens next in Vicente Modahl’s case?
The case will proceed to court, where Modahl will formally enter pleas to the charges. If found guilty, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
8. What is Diane Modahl known for?
Diane Modahl is a former British Olympic athlete, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and founder of the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation, which supports young athletes.
