Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, a former Olympic coach who collaborated with athletes from Team GB, is facing charges related to alleged child sexual offenses and rape. The 65-year-old Norwegian, who is the spouse of ex-Olympic middle-distance runner Diane Modahl, has been accused of two instances of child rape and five cases of sexually assaulting a child.
Leiva-Modahl, who previously resided in the United Kingdom, is also facing accusations of two counts of inducing a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of child penetration by assault.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the 19 charges against him, covering the period between 2012 and 2024, include two charges of adult female rape, two cases of sexually assaulting an adult female, one count of inducing an adult female to engage in sexual activity, two instances of adult female penetration by assault, and one charge of controlling and coercive behavior.
James Bolton-Smith, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has opted to press charges against Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl for numerous severe sexual offenses, including those related to child sexual abuse.” Leiva-Modahl is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Bolton-Smith added, “Our prosecutors have diligently ascertained that there is substantial evidence to proceed with the case and that it is in the public interest to pursue legal action. We have collaborated closely with the Greater Manchester Police during their investigative process.”
During his professional journey, the Norwegian coach mentored athletes from both Britain and abroad, including prominent members of Team GB and at least one Olympic gold medalist, spanning numerous decades. His LinkedIn profile also highlights his involvement as a FIFA-licensed sports agent.
“It is imperative to remember that legal proceedings against the accused are ongoing, and he is entitled to a fair trial,” emphasized the CPS in a statement. “It is crucial to avoid any reporting, commentary, or dissemination of information online that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”
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