Title: USOPC Fires Coach Alleged of Sexual Abuse Amidst Distress Causing Suicide Attempt
In a significant move stemming from serious allegations, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has terminated the employment of coach Gary Colliander and director Eileen Carey following accusations of sexual abuse against a young biathlete, Grace Boutot. The allegations emphasized the distress experienced by Boutot, which led to a tragic suicide attempt in 2010. The USOPC confirmed the dismissals on March 14, 2025, after a thorough internal evaluation, with a spokesman stating that Colliander was already placed on administrative leave in December 2023, shortly after The Associated Press (AP) reported the alleged misconduct. Despite the severity of the accusations, the committee has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for their dismissals.
Grace Boutot, who was only 15 years old when she began receiving coaching from Colliander at the Maine Winter Sports Center, has come forward with harrowing allegations of sexual abuse that spanned four years. The AP investigation revealed that Colliander’s inappropriate behavior began with alleged acts of touching and escalated following her 18th birthday to include kissing and oral sex. These actions have been substantiated by the therapist treating Boutot, which highlighted how this abuse had severely impacted her mental health. Tragically, Boutot attempted suicide in October 2010, an event that prompted Colliander to resign immediately thereafter, although he later took a position within the U.S. Paralympic Nordic team.
Eileen Carey, who held the position of vice president at the Maine Winter Sports Center during the period of abuse, has faced scrutiny for her lack of action regarding Boutot’s allegations. Despite being made aware of the situation through discussions with Boutot’s mother, Carey continued with her career in Olympic coaching and was eventually promoted to a director role with the Paralympic team. Unfortunately, her tenure saw the addition of Colliander to the coaching team, raising questions about how the USOPC conducts its vetting process for hiring coaches, particularly in light of serious past allegations.
The investigation prompted the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an organization established to address sexual abuse in Olympic sports, to open a case against Colliander in December 2023, following the AP’s initial report. The spokesman for the USOPC indicated that Colliander’s case with SafeSport is still active, which highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of athletes in such environments. Colliander’s attorney stated that he vehemently denies any wrongdoing and is committed to cooperating fully with the investigation, arguing that he has always maintained professional standards throughout his career.
In the wake of Colliander’s dismissal, Boutot asserts that her nightmare continued even after reporting the abuse. Conflicts arose with members of the Maine sports center who allegedly discriminated against her, blaming her for Colliander’s firing. Boutot expressed her anguish in a letter to the Maine Sports Center board, indicating a need for serious internal scrutiny over coach-athlete relationships. Despite assurances from Carey about positive outcomes following the situation, Boutot reflects that substantive investigations were never conducted. This troubling situation culminated in her filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in 2011, accusing the center of failing to protect her and retaliating against her for voicing concerns.
Ultimately, the center settled Boutot’s claims for $75,000, an outcome that did not bring her solace as she chose to end her competitive racing career. This case not only illustrates the grave issues of abuse within the sports community but underscores the broader implications for athlete safety and mental health. With the world watching, it is crucial that organizations like the USOPC take robust action to safeguard its athletes and actively promote a culture of accountability and transparency within Olympic sports.
As a part of the ongoing discussions surrounding mental health support in sports and measures against abuse, it is vital for individuals facing similar crises to seek help. In the U.S., the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline remains available at 988, providing critical support to those in need. The shocking narrative surrounding Grace Boutot serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes, ensuring such tragedies are not repeated.
