British runners Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie split with coach Andy Young

British runners Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie split with coach Andy Young after alleged row over trying to stop them from leaving base to eat out during a training camp in South Africa

  • The middle-distance runners flew home from a training camp in South Africa
  • Muir has worked with Young since 2011 who has helped her to Olympic success
  • Young denies that split with the athletes came following a bust up 

British middle-distance stars Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie have split from their long-term coach a week after they flew home from a training camp in South Africa following a row.

Olympic silver medallist Muir and her team-mate Reekie fell out with Andy Young in Potchefstroom after he allegedly tried to stop them from leaving their base to eat out.

The pair have now returned to Scotland and UK Athletics announced on Friday that they are now looking for a new coach – just 15 months before the Paris Olympics.

UKA said in a statement: ‘UKA can confirm Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie have made the decision to part ways with their coach Andy Young.

‘Both athletes would like to thank Andy for his commitment and support over the years.

Jemma Reekie has also split with Young

Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie have split with coach Andy Young after a training camp row

Muir had been working with Young (left) since 2011. They are pictured together in 2018

Muir had been working with Young (left) since 2011. They are pictured together in 2018

‘They are now focused on making decisions around their support network and coaching set-up for the future and will not be making any further comment.

‘UKA staff are continuing to support the athletes during this time.’

Muir, 29, began working with Young in 2011 and, under his guidance, won medals in the 1500 metres at the Olympics, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. Reekie, 25, finished fourth in the 800m at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021.

On Wednesday, Young denied there had been a bust-up with his athletes. ‘I think you would find the girls were worried about my health,’ he said. ‘They felt I wasn’t looking after myself properly, maybe thought pressure was getting to me. I’d say they were reading too much into it.’

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