A group of University of Guelph track and field alumni want an investigation into what they say are systemic issues within the running program that came under public scrutiny following the firing of coach Dave Scott-Thomas in 2019 for misconduct. The Ontario school says it's since brought in new policies to address issues.
Get informed on the top stories of the day in one quick scan cbc.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cbc.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Meet the Women Creating a More Egalitarian Future in Running Five individuals, duos, and groups of women spanning the globe fighting for a new era in running defined by equality, belonging, and empowerment. Molly Hanson March 17th, 2021
To say that women have historically fought an uphill battle for equal opportunity and recognition in the world of running is an understatement. It wasn’t until 1960 that women runners were allowed to race further than 200 meters. That year, the 800 meters was reintroduced, after being scratched for 32 years following its inclusion in the 1928 Olympic schedule, where the women runners were deemed too taxed from the effort.
We learned as much last winter when
The Globe and Mail published an expansive investigation into Guelph University’s cross country and track coach, Dave Scott-Thomas, who had sexually and emotionally abused an underage athlete, Megan Brown, in the early 2000s.
Shielded by his University administration when the athlete’s father submitted a complaint, the coach who’s arguably Canada’s most successful distance running coach in history was thereon given runway to create the culture he wanted: in this case, a women’s team described as “one big eating disorder.” Many left the program with bodies in a state beyond repair.