Former Olympic athletics coach Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, widely known as Vicente Modahl, has appeared at Manchester Crown Court denying 19 charges of rape and sexual assault involving a child. The 65-year-old, previously married to former Olympic middle-distance runner Diane Modahl, pleaded not guilty to all charges during the hearing.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Modahl faces:

• Five counts of rape
• Four counts of assault by penetration
• Six counts of sexual assault
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• One count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity
• One count of coercive or controlling behaviour

The alleged offences, which are said to have occurred between 2012 and 2024, involve a single female victim whose identity has been legally protected.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC, Honorary Recorder of Manchester, granted Modahl bail but set the earliest trial date for 4 September 2028, citing a heavy court workload. The judge expressed regret over the delay:

“It just can’t be right that a case of this nature has to be adjourned until 2028, but that’s beyond my control.”

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 8 June 2026, and the judge encouraged Modahl to remain in contact with his solicitors to explore any possibility of an earlier trial.

Bail Conditions

Modahl’s bail conditions include:

• Residing at an address in the Warrington area
• An electronic monitoring curfew from 21:00 to 07:00
• No contact with witnesses in the case
• Surrender of his Spanish passport
• No application for travel documents from British, Norwegian, or Spanish authorities
• No unsupervised contact with anyone under 18

Modahl’s Career in Athletics

Vicente Modahl has coached numerous British athletes, including:

• Diane Modahl, his former wife and Olympic middle-distance runner
• David Grindley, former British sprinter
• Guy Bullock, professional athlete

In addition to coaching, Modahl worked as an agent for athletes. Following the allegations, he has been suspended by UK Athletics, the governing body of the sport in Britain.

Public and Media Response

The case has attracted significant attention due to Modahl’s high-profile involvement in British athletics and his Olympic connections. The judge acknowledged the disappointment caused by the long delay, noting that custody could have allowed the case to proceed faster.

Modahl was arrested at an airport while returning from Spain and remains free on bail under strict conditions.

Next Steps

The court has confirmed that the trial will proceed at the earliest possible date, with a pre-trial hearing in June 2026, but the main trial is unlikely before September 2028 unless an earlier slot becomes available.

This case continues to be monitored closely by legal authorities, sports governing bodies, and the public due to its serious nature and the high-profile status of the defendant.